Steven Adams of Oklahoma City Thunder has touched a new high with his 17-point game. The Thunder beat Boston Celtics 98-84 in their NBA scrimmage. In just a 16-minute appearance, the New-Zealand born added one assist and seven rebounds to help his side gain advantage.
The 27-YO center performed handsomely on both sides of the court and sent positive signals for the matches ahead. It appeared as if the Boston Celtics were not prepared to see that kind of gameplay coming from him.
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Boston Celtics coach was all praise for Steven Adams
Brad Stevens looked highly impressed by the opposing side’s center player. He gracefully accepted in the post-match interview “That first half we struggled mostly with Adams. You know we got to be better against him.”
Steven Adams puts up 17 points (8-11 FGM) and 7 boards in the 1st half! #ThunderUp #WholeNewGame
📺: @NBATV pic.twitter.com/Ic6MWvuQYP
— NBA (@NBA) July 24, 2020
He praised the physical dominance that Steven brings in. The 7-footed giant weighs close to 260 lbs and brings extreme power in the game. Brad replied to a question about the team fitness against such players, “Well I mean these weight rooms only have so many weights, so I think there is a… you know, we’re gonna have to do better as a team. Obviously Enes [Kanter] did a pretty good job when he was in there, but he didn’t play against Adams a ton.”
He accepted, “He obviously hurt us. That strength and that physicality is a problem and good news is I don’t think nobody gets any stronger than Steven Adams.”
What’s next for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The Thunder have to face Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Head coach Billy Donovan must be happy with his team’s initial success ahead of an important season. They have a 40-24 record at present. Surely, not many view them as title favorites, but exceptional performances like these can bring them on the map.
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Lord Adams seemingly used the quarantine efficiently and worked heavily over his fitness. The team had last played their match on March 9 (again beating the Celtics 105-104) and were having a decent run. Steven, with his 10.9 points current season average, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his 19.3, and point guard Chris Paul will be crucial for their success. Let us see if they can continue the form in the Bubble.
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Sources: CLNS Media – YouTube, NBA – Twitter