After a pair of slow starts in Los Angeles, the Thunder burst out of the gates with offensive fervor against the Trail Blazers. Behind a collective effort from all 10 players to touch the floor, OKC picked up the first win in its long road trip.
Game Flow
Late in the third quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander decisively attacked the paint drawing the attention of several Portland defenders. Suddenly the ball broke free from Gilgeous-Alexander’s grip sending it careening in the air. Oddly enough, the ball grazed the middle of the square on the way down and fell through the cylinder, baffling all those who witnessed it… even Shai.
NBA star Steven Adams helps Pelicans secure win against ex-Thunder team-mates stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Stuff Sports
2 January, 2021, 9:26 am
New Orleans Pelicans centre Steven Adams, left, comes down with a rebound in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City. Picture: STUFF SPORTS.
New Zealander Steven Adams must have taken some satisfaction from this victory over his old pals at the Oklahoma Thunder.
Adams scored 12 points and secured 10 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Thunder 113-80 in their NBA game at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday afternoon (NZ time).
It was the first time Adams had returned to Oklahoma to play since leaving the Thunder, who were committed to rebuilding their roster, during the off-season.