Kiwi Steven Adams has produced one of the best rebounding performances of his NBA career to help his New Orleans Pelicans upset Milwaukee Bucks 131-126.
The NZ centre grabbed 20 boards - 10 each at the offensive and defensive ends - while scoring just four points during a team-leading 38 minutes, as New Orleans built a 28-point, third-quarter lead and barely held on down the stretch.
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks' comeback, scoring 38 points and snatching 11 rebounds.
While Adams rarely threatened the basket, four other starters topped 20 points, with Brandon Ingram scoring 28 and Lonzo Ball 27.
The Pelicans shot a franchise-record 21 three-pointers, with Ball and point guard Eric Bledsoe slotting seven each.
"It's always good to see the bloody ball go through the hoop, mate," Adams reflects. "I don't think anyone on the team would disagree with me either."
With Adams' addition to a promising young roster, New Orleans have been underwhelming to start the season, improving to seven wins and 10 losses with this result to sit one off the bottom of the Western Conference.
They next host Houston Rockets on Monday (NZ time).
