Kiwi star Steven Adams enjoyed a successful NBA competitive debut for Memphis Grizzlies, as his new team opened their 2021/22 season with a 132-121 victory against Cleveland Cavaliers.
Taking to the court for the first time in a Grizzlies singlet in a competitive match, Adams notched up 32 minutes on court for Memphis, with only Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and De'Anthony Melton spending more time on the court than the Kiwi.
Adams finished with 14 rebounds, eight points and three assists - way up on his regular season career average of 8.9 rebounds, 7.6 points and 1.9 assists per game.
Morant finished as the top scorer for the Grizzlies, netting 37 points, while Desmond Bane also stood out with 22. Adams' opposite number, Jarrett Allen, finished as Cleveland's top scorer with 25.
The Kiwi was traded during the off-season after just one year, leaving New Orleans Pelicans with Jonas Valanciunas going the other way.
Meanwhile, Adams' former team slumped to defeat in their first match of the 2021/22 regular season, as New Orleans were crushed 117-97 by Philadelphia 76ers.
