Steven Adams has been getting a lot of love after knocking down his first career three.
And rightfully so. Prior to Tuesday night, the Big Kiwi was 0-for in seven previous three-point attempts.
Naturally, it was a hot topic of conversation after Oklahoma City’s 119-104 win over Dallas. Adams revealed to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman that his triple was part of the game plan.
“I just got the go mate,” Adams said. “Coach was like, look ‘we’re going to get you a three.’ And I’m like, ‘okay, I’ll shoot it.’
“Jokes aside, mate, it’s one of those things where it’s good that it went in, but you’re going to have to miss like 20 of them to get a feel for how it kind of works with the timing and stuff like that.”
Billy Donovan doesn’t seem to think that Adams showing an extended range is a joking matter, and said after the game that he thought the 7-footer had the opportunity to take a couple more from beyond the arc.
“I thought he had the opportunity to take a couple more, but he didn’t. I’m sure he wanted to start off 1-for-1 and didn’t want to ruin his percentage,” Donovan said, before adding, “I think that’s the way the game is going. Steven’s got a good touch. It’s something he’s got to get used to and get more comfortable with.”
Adams finished the game with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
He told Horne that he “had the opportunity to post” when the Mavs went small in the second half, but Tuesday’s preseason game was for creating a foundation. “Here’s you’re baseline, next game we got to see some progress.”
The Thunder’s next preseason game is Thursday against the New Zealand Breakers.
