More impressive output from New Zealand centre Steven Adams has helped Oklahoma City Thunder finish with a perfect record in the NBA summer league in Orlando led.
Oklahoma beat the Houston Rockets 85-77 on Friday to record a fifth win from their five matches.
Adams played a significant role in four of them and ended on a strong note, scoring 10 points during nearly 27 minutes of court time against the Rockets.
The 19-year-old, who was selected by the Thunder at No.12 in last month's NBA draft, also snared nine rebounds and a blocked shot to complete a consistent week. He shot three-from-six from the field and four-from-five from the free-throw line.
Coaches and scouts use the summer league to assess if contracted players and free agents are good enough to play in the NBA.
Adams' inexperience may see him employed in the development league next season although his performances at Orlando have done his NBA chances no harm bolt embroidery.
In another match, the New Zealand Breakers' star import guard Cedric Jackson produced 11 assists for the Miami Heat but scored just three points in their 90-85 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Speedy American Jackson is chasing an NBA contract, having last played there three years ago.
Another Breaker, Tall Blacks forward Thomas Abercrombie, will contest a summer league tournament in Las Vegas next week in pursuit of an NBA contract carbon resistance.
He will play for the Phoenix Suns. |
