Thunder Player Grades: Reserves inspired effort vaults OKC into 5th

8 points, 1 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.

Plus / Minus Differential: plus +3

Field Goals: 4 of 8,  Free Throws: 0 of 0

Full disclosure, I had already penciled in the ‘A’ for Adams at the half given his primary defense held LaMarcus Aldridge to just three points. LMA must shiver at the thought of facing the big Kiwi who is going to be physical with him all night. Unlike the majority of the NBA who boast thin lanky centers who shoot from deep, Adams poses a true old school “I eat bigger things than you for breakfast’ center.

And then disaster hit as Adams came down awkwardly on his ankle twisting it in the first two minutes of the third quarter.

His absence could have resulted in a completely different outcome had it not been for the reserves stepping up.

Although Adams missed a few bunnies, again, the work he did on Aldridge early was nothing short of spectacular.  Hard to assess him the full A  or A+ when he couldn’t compete the entire match and he needs to figure out how to be dominate on both ends in the same game.

Related: Ultimate kiwi bible – comprehensive guide to Steven Adams

Still, if Adams is lost for any timeframe it is concerning. It’s one thing trying to win games without Roberson, not having Adams for any length of time is a frightening prospect.