Basketball: Steven Adams ties career high

Steven Adams grabs a rebound for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Photo / photosport.co.nz

Steven Adams had a career night, but it wasn't enough for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they fell 115-110 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Adams tied his career-high with 17 points, shooting a perfect 6/6 from the field against the inexperienced Blazers big man rotation of Miles Plumlee, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh.

His display including some high-flying dunks, including an impressive one-handed alley-oop from Russell Westbrook.

Adams added a team-high 10 rebounds in his 35 minutes on the court, and also went 5/9 from the free-throw stripe, suffering from the "Hack-A" fouling strategy which the Blazers implemented late to try and get back into the game.

Additionally, the Portland broadcasting crew were a bit confused by Adams' nationality.

Unfortunately for the Thunder, the Blazers came roaring into the contest late, with point guard Damian Lillard the star of the show with 31 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

He had an excellent battle (admittedly lacking defence) with Westbrook, who put up 25 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists.

Adams' performance coincides with research that Adams is the best player in NBA history at winning the opening tip-off.