Basketball: Steven Adams scores 23 points in Oklahoma City Thunder loss to New Orleans Pelicans

Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams (12) shoots as New Orleans Pelicans centre Anthony Davis (23) defends. Photo / AP Photo

An inspired Steven Adams performance wasn't enough to stop the Oklahoma City Thunder from falling to a 114-100 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Adams led his side in scoring with 23 points while adding 12 rebounds in what was a strong offensive performance from the Kiwi big man.

But a lacklustre showing from the Thunder big three relegated the New Orleans side to their third straight loss after an eight-game winning streak.

Russell Westbrook - who struggled shooting the ball - still managed a triple double with 16 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds.

🔥 on both ends. #ThunderUp @jhuestis @RealStevenAdams @USCellular highlight. pic.twitter.com/gGaNdXTtt3

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 3, 2018

All Star centre Anthony Davis led the scoring with 43 points to help New Orleans to their 28th win of the season.

Davis made 17 of 34 shots and had 10 rebounds, while E'Twaun Moore added 26 points for the Pelicans.

New Orleans had lost two straight since All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was lost for the season with a left Achilles tendon rupture but managed to right the ship by shooting 51 percent from the field against the Thunder.

To get the day's top sports stories in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here