If there were any lingering questions about whether or not Steven Adams would step into a larger role this season, if the first two preseason games are any indication, the answer is unequivocally yes.
True, the NBA is a long grind of a season with its fair share of ups and downs, but Adams has been impressive thus far.
It started with the first three-pointer of his career Tuesday against the Mavericks, a game the Thunder went on to win 119-104.
In 21 minutes against Dallas, Adams scored 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. He hit on 6-of-9 from the free-throw line and also tallied three assists and three rebounds.
Adams told The Oklahoman’s Erik Horne afterward that Tuesday’s game was for “creating a foundation” and “in the next game, we got to see some progress”.
There may not have been another three-point attempt, but against the New Zealand Breakers, there was definitely progress.
Thursday Adams went for a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Big Kiwi did display some new skills (looking a little bit like Russell Westbrook in the process), grabbing a rebound and then taking the fast break coast-to-coast for the fancy finish and the foul.
Adams was 9-of-12 from the floor against New Zealand, with a steal, an assist and a block. He saw 21 minutes of game time, and if Erik Horne’s tweet is any indication, Adams definitely thought he could give more.
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