Kiwi star Steven Adams has unveiled the Māori phrase 'Kia Kaha' - meaning 'be strong' - as his social message for the remainder of the NBA, to be played inside an Orlando 'bubble' from next month.
Adams starred in Oklahoma City Thunder's first practice scrimmage against Boston Celtics, scoring 17 points and claiming seven rebounds in 15 minutes, as his team prevailed 98-84 win at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
While the result won't count towards the NBA standings, the Thunder gain a massive confidence boost ahead of their first competitive match on August 2 against Utah Jazz.
Each NBA player is permitted to have pre-approved social justice messages on the back of their jerseys, as part of their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, which has gained worldwide momentum since African American George Floyd died in Minnesota Police custody in May.
Adams' choice of message should make his replica jersey an instant must-have souvenir for fans back home in New Zealand.
Coach Billy Donovan was pleased with Adams' performance, saying he was a big reason for their win.
"He has done a great job with his conditioning," says Donovan. "Being back in NZ, he kept himself in great shape and for players his size, that can be challenging.
"A big part of our success was his stamina and his activity."
The match was the first for Adams and the Thunder since March 9, when they beat the Celtics.
Three days later, their game against the Jazz was abandoned just before tip-off, when Utah centre Rudy Gobert returned a positive coronavirus test.
If the game had gone ahead as scheduled, Adams would have been in close contact with his French rival for most of the 48 minutes.
Within hours, the entire NBA season was suspended and play has only just resumed in the Orlando 'bubble'.
While Adams was the star on court, the big talking point from the game was the successful return of swingman Andre Roberson, who hasn't played since January 2018, after rupturing his patellar tendon.
Adams and Roberson have a close relationship, after they were both taken in the 2013 NBA draft and have played for the Thunder since.
Roberson's career has been plagued by injury, but he received a standing ovation when he stepped onto the court in Orlando.
The scrimmage was the first of three the Thunder will play before next month's clash against the Jazz - they will then play a further seven games before the NBA playoffs begin.
The Thunder's next scrimmage will be against Philadelphia 76ers on Monday (NZ time).
