Steven Adams' first start in the NBA ended in defeat, with the Oklahoma City Thunder being beaten by the Clippers in Los Angeles today.
After coming off the bench in the first six games of his professional career, Adams earned an elevation to the starting five due to Kendrick Perkins' absence through bereavement.
The Kiwi rookie played 21 minutes - slightly more than his season average - while scoring seven points and collecting four rebounds in the 111-103 loss.
The Thunder, already shorthanded with Perkins out, were further hampered when power forward Serge Ibaka was ejected in the second quarter.
Adams helped his side to a nine-point lead at the half, but a shocking third quarter saw the Clippers outscore the Thunder 30-16 to charge in front.
