Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Thunder’s center Steven Adams has officially been diagnosed with a concussion and will no play tonight vs. the Clippers.
Adams was pushed hard to the floor by Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and appeared to hit his head on the floor. It happened at the 10:15 mark of the third quarter. Adams was able to get up under his own power and quickly left to the sideline where he was taken to the locker room. Adams did not return for the duration of the game.
Steven Adams hit his head pretty hard on this fall. Got up but exited the game. pic.twitter.com/VnStHrq2vg
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) January 16, 2017
Adams and Cousins have quite the history of near altercations. Last season, the two were involved in a common tussle which resulted in Cousins almost punching the back of Adams’ head. This, along with Adams’ current injury is a sad example of the bush-league play by the Kings big man.
Adams is averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 42 games this season, both are career highs for the man from New Zealand.
Oklahoma City is set to play the L.A. Clippers tonight at 9:30 p.m. on TNT in a MLK Day special game.
Adams’ status for Wednesday game at the Golden State Warriors is still up in the air. Thunder and the Warriors play Wednesday, Jan. 18.
In his place, expect Enes Kanter to get extended minutes. Over his last seven games, Kanter has been averaging a 20-10 double-double. While his defense isn’t the best in the league, he’s been doing his best not to be the worst player in the league on the defensive side.
You could see Billy Donovan start Joffrey Lauvergne or Nick Collison in Adams’ spot in the starting line up to preserve the bench rotation, which has been on fire as of late.