Quick Reaction: How Does OKC Deal With Steven Adams’ Injury?

Feb 8, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center

(12) shoots the ball with his left hand after a right hand injury in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It was the one downside to Sunday’s exciting win over the Los Angeles Clippers when, midway through the second quarter, Steven Adams injured his right hand rising up for a rebound (via Vine, from The Oklahoman’s Anthony Slater):

Adams, well-known for an unusually high tolerance for pain, immediately ran off the court although there was a foul call that required him to shoot two free throws. Coach Scott Brooks was forced to take a timeout and then Adams – permanently etching his place in Thunder lore – ran out of the locker room with his right hand dangling uselessly at his side. The extent of his injury wasn’t known at that time and if he hadn’t shot his free throws, he would have been disqualified from returning.

He then attempted his shots using just his left hand, hitting the second attempt. He left the court again to a huge ovation and further established his reputation as a hard-working cyborg from the future.

Unfortunately, it was later revealed that Adams did break his right hand and required surgery, keeping him out of action for an estimated three weeks. After that time period, his hand will be reevaluated and he may return to action by early March.

Next: A Look at the Schedule