If you’re clicking on this video expecting to see a Kiwi dunkfest provided by the #1 Kiwi in all of our hearts, Steven Adams, you are going to be disappointed. You can watch the first ten seconds of this video and you will see the only dunk that Adams threw down out of his twelve made field goals. For fans of the dunk, this sin might be grave enough that his status as #1 Kiwi in our hearts might have to be revoked. I know that, personally, my #1 Kiwi in my heart is now Frodo Baggins.
However, if you’re clicking on this video because you want to see some old-school domination from the center position, you would be advised to continue watching after the ten-second mark. This is the first time I remember Adams getting fed so consistently in the post. Usually he relies on catching the ball in easy layup position from a Westbrook pass, but in this game he’ll usually get the ball facing away from the basket and then makes things happen by himself.
The crazy thing is, most centers who aren’t used to post touches look really awkward when they finally get one. Adams looked smooth. He’s strong enough that all the jostling from a defender doesn’t affect him much. His touch was impeccable (at least it was for the shots that went in, which are the only shots I saw given the nature of my God-given task to make NBA highlight videos).
Next game, look for Westbrook to chuck forty shots in anger and for Adams to score six points, all on putbacks of Westbrook bricks.