OKC Thunder: 5 Takeaways following OKC’s victory over the Washington Wizards

Steven Adams Minutes

If there is one major criticism I have of Oklahoma City’s rotation, it’s to do with Steven Adams minutes. OKC acquired Noel in free agency yet have felt the need to play the big kiwi an average of 33 minutes per game.

Its no secret the big man has been dealing with calf tightness dating back to OKC’s loss to Boston in late October. Adams sat in the victory over the Phoenix Suns and returned the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

This is Adams Game Log so far this season:

• 36 vs Golden State Warriors
• 33 vs Los Angeles Clippers
• 34 vs Sacramento Kings
• 33 vs Boston Celtics
• OUT vs Phoenix Suns
• 38 vs Los Angeles Clippers
• 34 vs Charlotte Hornets
• 23 vs Washington Wizards

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• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

38 minutes against the Clippers after missing a game due to injury is poor. With Noel on the roster, you’ve got to wonder why Donovan played the seven footer so many minutes.

Sure, Adams contributions on the court are vital to OKC’s success but Noel is not a scrub. In his lone start against the Suns, Noel posted an impressive 20 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and 1 block in 26 minutes.

One wrinkle Donovan has introduced is playing Grant as a small ball center which should help manage his minutes further.

Adams only played 23 minutes against Washington, posting a solid 15 points (6-7 from the field) and 3 rebounds but was limited largely to foul trouble.

While he continues to deny that its a serious issue, this is a recurring injury that must be monitored with care.

Seven footers with lower leg injuries take longer to recover than most thus Donovan must do a better job of managing his minutes.