Tag: Steven Adams half-court shot

Steven Adams has funny response to his favorite part of All-Star break

While his teammates were in Chicago for the All-Star game or spending time with their families, Steven Adams enjoyed “training his dog”.

One thing is for certain. When interviewing Steven Adams, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get.

Like the time where he used profanity to describe his fear of being at the free-throw line in a clutch situation.

Or when he said the next time he’s going to wear a custom suit will be “at his funeral”.

Adams’ blunt style combined with sarcastic wit and his colloquial “mate” makes him one of the more entertaining interviews on the team.

Oklahoma City’s media session at practice on Thursday was no exception.

Thunder reporter Nick Gallo asked Adams what his favorite part of being off for the All-Star break was. Without missing a beat, Adams replied, “I think training my dog, mate”.

Who doesn’t love some quality time with their dog?

The week off also likely helped Adams get fully healthy for the final push of the regular season after dealing with knee and ankle injuries towards the end of January.

In his last 10 games prior to the All-Star break, Adams was averaging just 8.0 points per game 7.4 rebounds, down from his season averages of 10.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest.

Oklahoma City will hope to have him back to form on Friday night when they host the Nuggets. In their only game against Denver this season, Adams went for a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 110-102 loss on Dec. 14.

Adams was also seen at practice on Thursday working on his half-court heaves.

He hit the first 3-pointer of his career on Feb. 13 against the New Orleans Pelicans on a three-quarter court heave to beat the halftime buzzer.

Thunder ties franchise record with 8th straight road win

Oklahoma City swept the regular-season series against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 123-118 win on Thursday night.

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the regular-season series against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 123-118 win inside the Smoothie King Center on Thursday night.

It was the final game for both teams before heading into the All-Star break.

Two nights after Billy Donovan said his team had a “small margin for error” and that OKC needed everyone to play well to have a chance to win, six Thunder players turned in a double-digit performance, lead by Danilo Gallinari with 29.

Dennis Schroder once again came off the bench to score 22, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Steven Adams and Mike Muscala chipped in 17, 11, and 10, respectively.

Chris Paul posted a double-double, chipping in 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Zion Williamson, playing in his first game against Oklahoma City this season, led all scorers with 32, topping his previous career-high of 31 from Tuesday night.

Williamson showcased yet another reason why he was chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft in the second quarter with what might be the filthiest block of the year when he swatted an Abdel Nader shot attempt into the seats.

But the play of the night came from Thunder center Steven Adams.

With one second left on the game clock, Adams hit a 70-foot heave to beat the buzzer and send Oklahoma City into halftime with a 66-58 lead.

It was the first 3-pointer of Adams’ career and he responded with a little shoulder shimmy before celebrating with teammates as he left the court.

With the win, Oklahoma City improves to 33-22 overall and 16-10 on the road.

Per the Thunder, Thursday night’s win is the eighth road victory in a row, tying an Oklahoma City franchise record.

The Thunder will step away from regular-season action for All-Star Weekend where OKC will be represented by both Gilgeous-Alexander in the Skills Challenge and the Rising Stars Game, and Chris Paul, who will be making his 10th All-Star Game appearance.

Oklahoma City is back in action next Friday, Feb. 21 when they host the Denver Nuggets.