Steven Adams had spent the majority of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he earned the respect of his peers around the league as a defender and enforcer. Still, that didn't mean that the 6-foot-11 center was going to hold back as his New Orleans Pelicans squad faced off against the Thunder on New Year's Eve.
Adams had a few humoring words on Thursday after returning to Oklahoma City for the first time since being traded in November:
“Something in my brain switched. I was like, ‘Oh s–t. That’s right, I’m playing for New Orleans.‘”
Steven Adams’ return to OKC had him mixed up 🤣 pic.twitter.com/VWLflTx1na
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 1, 2021
Adams' return to Chesapeake Energy Arena didn't hold the normal level of energy that most players would get due to the absence of fans at the moment. Still, that didn't stop the New Zealand big from putting up a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds through 31 minutes. The Pelicans made short work of the Thunder overall, walking away with a 113-80 win, despite Brandon Ingram's ejection.
Adams has spent his first five games finding more ways to adjust to the Pelicans and head coach Stan Van Gundy's system. He's averaged 9.4 points and 8.8 rebounds so far as he continues occupying the frontcourt with Zion Williamson. He finished last season averaging 10.9 points along with 9.3 rebounds for the Thunder.
The Pelicans have gotten off to a neutral start through five games. They currently own a 3-2 record as they look to improve from last season wherein they missed the playoffs during Williamson's rookie campaign.
New Orleans will get another chance to separate themselves from the rest of the pack on Saturday as they face off against the Toronto Raptors.
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