In today's NBA, it's not often you'll have a match involving two traditional centres. But when the Oklahoma City Thunder met the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday (NZ time), the key match up was in the post.
Kiwi big man Steven Adams squared off against former defensive player of the year Dwight Howard in a tantilising individual battle for those who still appreciate the post game. Adams, the league leader in offensive rebounds per game, going against one of the best defensive rebounders the game has seen.
But Howard, who had 17 rebounds on the night, was often outmatched on the glass by the physical Adams, who snatched seven offensive rebounds on his way to an impressive line of 14 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and three steals as OKC left North Carolina with a 101-91 win to halt a three-match losing streak.
After only making two shots in his last outing, Adams started his night the right way with three made baskets inside the opening four minutes. The Kiwi capitalised on his offensive rebounding prowess, with all three of his opening shot attempts being put-backs from misses.
