Another big double-double for Steven Adams wasn't enough to save the Oklahoma City Thunder from a nail-biting defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday (NZ time).
The Kiwi was at his efficient best in the 119-117 loss at Chesapeake Arena, posting 20 points on a staggering 8/9 from the field to go with 12 rebounds and a pair of steals.
The 25-year-old pulled down a clutch offensive rebound in the dying seconds to give the his team one last shot at stealing victory, but point guard Russell Westbrook's last ditch three came up well short.
Despite the loss, Adams got the better of the highly-touted Karl-Anthony Towns, who shapes as one of his main adversaries in a bid for a debut berth at the NBA's prestigious All Star game next month.
Westbrook finished with 25 points and 16 assists, while fellow All Star Paul George poured in 27 points and pulled down nine rebounds.
Timberwolves swingman Andrew Wiggins was a thorn in the Thunder's side, producing some key plays down the stretch as he posted an enormous 40 point, 10 rebound line.
The loss is the Thunder's second straight after falling to the Washington Wizards on Monday, but they remain in third place in the NBA's Western Conference standings.
They'll look to get back on track against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Newshub.
