Kiwi NBA centre Steven Adams has made an emotional - and at times, comical - return to Oklahoma City with his Memphis Grizzlies.
Adams, 28, who played his first seven seasons with the Thunder, was playing in front of his old fans for the first time, since he was traded to New Orleans Pelicans in November 2020.
He returned with the Pelicans a few weeks later and received the traditional pre-game video tribute from his former team, but the stadium was empty, due to COVID-19, and the occasion flat.
"I haven't really given it too much thought," Adams told The Oklahoman about his return. "Just show up and see what happens.
"Might not even get a bloody standing ovation, mate. Gotta set the bar low."
This time, Adams, who became a cult hero to Thunder Nation, was warmly received and acknowledged the applause with appropriate modesty.
Moments later, the decorum lapsed into the bizarre, as both teams took to the floor wearing all-white strips.
Most in the arena saw the funny side, but after the Grizzlies were forced to retire to the dressing room and change into their blue strip, they had the last laugh with a 125-118 win.
Adams contributed an efficient nine points, 16 rebounds (seven at the offensive end), two assists and a block in his 25 minutes, as his latest team improved to 47-22, leading the Southwest Division and second in the Western Conference, behind Phoenix Suns.
