From former OKC head coach Scott Brooks claiming, “That guy is the strongest, most physical guy in the league,” to Jerami Grant stating, “He is for sure, definitely the strongest guy in the NBA,” Steven Adams created quite a reputation for himself back in 2019. Five years later, the now Houston Rockets player has not lost his charm. People continue to regard him for his on-court physicality, with his reportedly imposing frame and incredible strength making him an important figure on the defensive end. His physical build is certainly an intimidating factor too, as attendees at the Toyota Center found out recently.

During the 3rd quarter of a recent matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards, the Rockets were leading by 12 points with 2:02 left in the quarter. As Wizards player Corey Kispert drove toward the rim, he collided with Aaron Holiday, knocking him to the ground and momentarily stopping the game. Just as things were settling down, Steven Adams suddenly rushed toward Kispert, creating a tense moment. For a brief second, it looked like Adams might be gearing up for a physical confrontation, prompting the 220-pound Kispert to instinctively step back.

Fortunately, Steven Adams was just kidding around, and walked away with a smile, much to the amusement of the fans. Even the commentators had a good laugh over the incident, as they stated, “Kispert’s life flashed before his eyes, man. What’s going on?” Another commentator outright admitted, “He scared me.” While the game moved on, a clip featuring the moment made its way online. Once they got the chance to relive the moment, fans quickly shared their views.

How did fans react to Steven Adams pulling a prank on his rival?

One individual did not shy away from highlighting feeling the exact way that the commentators and even Kispert may have felt. He wrote, “I’d probably be scared to, dude, strong as heck,” accompanied by a skull emoji.

With a 6-foot-11 stature and a weight of 265 lbs, Steven Adams certainly has a noticeable stature. Before the ‘incident’ with Corey Kispert, the player’s most recent viral moment of the ongoing tournament took place when the Houston Rockets went up against the San Antonio Spurs. A ‘battle’ ensued at the rim for the possession of the ball. Keldon Johnson fell to the floor while still holding the ball. Adams tried to take it away from his hands by using both of his. The ensuing result was that as Adams lifted the ball, Johnson lifted up with it as he continued holding on to it. Even this moment was taken in by the Rockets star with a smile. That one second was enough to display the level of strength he possessed.

Another individual attempted to put himself in Corey Kispert’s shoes and stated, “You just know Kispert had that cold shot shiver through his body when he saw Adams coming for him.” Two laughing emojis accompanied the remark.

Voters chose Steven Adams amongst the ‘NBA Stars Players Would Least Want to Fight.’ In the polling conducted by ‘The Athletic’ by taking the opinions of 125 NBA players into account, Adams came in 2 place with 16.8% of the vote. James Johnson took the top spot with 53.6%, while Isaiah Stewart came last at 6.4%. Along with his size, another factor that makes Steven Adams intimidating is the fact that he has dabbled in MMA! Therefore, when seeing him approach you faster than usual, you bet there will be some cold shot shivers.

One person brought back an old comparison to the limelight by writing, “Well just imagine Aquaman charging at you.”

More often than not, Steven Adams draws a comparison between Game of Thrones and Aquaman actor Jason Momoa. Much of the comparison is thanks in part to the long hair and the facial features the duo share. Adams admitted during a TMZ interview that people mistook him for being Momoa during a trip to Croatia. Anyone who watched season 1 of GOT knows just what type of scary presence Khal Drago was. Just like Jason Momoa, however, the Rockets player gives off the impression of being someone with a lovable personality. Therefore, one might feel scared at first but then calm down when they look at any of the duo’s smiles.

It is a good thing that Steven Adams possesses a lovable personality. After all, as one individual wrote “If adams has the personality of dillon brooks or draymond.. the league is in trouble.”

Known as the ‘Villian’ of the NBA, Dillion Brooks wears that title like a badge. In his own words, “Everyone can’t be the hero. I’d rather be what was chosen for me.” Meanwhile, Draymond Green has had his share of physical altercations on the court. They have varied. From putting Rudy Gobert under a chokehold to hitting his then-teammate Jordan Poole during a practice session. Fortunately, Steven Adams is far from getting the alleged reputation formed by Brooks and Green.

One fan explained why it was understandable that anyone would be afraid of Steven Adams at that particular moment. He stated, “I mean, he hunts boars barefooted with a hunting knife as a hobby. I would run, too.”

This remark may have referenced the off-court rumors that people have spread about the player over time. Adams’s strength has created off-court myths, too. Former Warriors star Kendrick Perkins once said, “This dude is so crazy that he hunts wild hogs with a knife. But you wanna know the craziest part? He doesn’t wear any damn shoes!” Reportedly known for getting under the skin of friends and rivals alike, Adams has often ‘growled’ at opponents about tearing his dinner apart with his hands. Yikes!

Overall, most people aligned their reactions with respect for Steven Adams. With the Houston Rockets currently possessing a 7-4 record, the player and his squad are on the right track. If all goes well, they may even reach the playoffs, giving Steven Adams a bigger chance to shine.