When OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams dictates offense flourishes

Recognizing Double Teams

One of Adams biggest improvements lies in his offensive awareness and improved recognition of double teams. The big man is reading and reacting to opposing defenses, taking his time to identify the open man and hitting them with an accurate pass.

In OKC’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Adams receives an entry pass from Russell Westbrook and is immediately doubled by Danilo Gallinari and Avery Bradley. The big man holds the ball up high, reads the defense then finds a cutting Jerami Grant down the lane for the easy two hand slam.

Against Houston, Adams finds himself a mismatch on the block with James Harden. Chris Paul comes over to double team him and the Kiwi finds a cutting Terrance Ferguson along the baseline for an easy dunk.

Adams is very comfortable handling the ball on the block and sees the floor exceptionally well for a big man. Thunder players are finally moving into space and trust Adams will hit them on the move.