Basketball: Steven Adams goes big but Thunder fall against Cleveland

Steven Adams had a franchise-record 12 offensive rebounds against Cleveland on Wednesday. Photo / Getty Images.

Steven Adams made franchise history against the Cleveland Cavaliers this afternoon, setting a new single-game record for offensive rebounds.

The 24-year-old Kiwi became the first ever Oklahoma City Thunder player to grab 12 offensive rebounds in a match, finishing the night with 22 points and 17 rebounds.

However his big performance wasn't enough to lift his side to a win, with Cleveland leaving Oklahoma with a 120-112 victory.

Adams did a bit of everything for his team and was rewarded for his strong outing - playing a game-high 42 minutes.

"I thought Steven Adams played a great game, but maybe I played him too many minutes tonight," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said.

Loud City erupts to honor Kiwi toughness. 20p/13r after 3. #OKCvsCLE on @FOXSportsOK pic.twitter.com/DGt3McatQQ

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 14, 2018

It looked as though he would be in for a strong showing early in the piece, when he seemed to be claiming offensive rebounds at will.

After just one quarter Adams already had five to go with 11 points as the Thunder trailed by a point.

While the match was close throughout, the Thunder were never able to string together a large enough run to gain any sort of ascendancy in the match and fell short in the end.

Like a Kiwi possessed. #OKCvsCLE @USCellular highlight pic.twitter.com/M0eqxEMHxQ

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 14, 2018

The big difference came from the bench scoring between the two teams. The Thunder bench combined for just 20 points, with only two players not in the starting five getting on the scoresheet.

The Cavaliers on the other hand saw great production, with the bench contributing 51 points. Recent additions to the new-look Cleveland team Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr all scored in double figures from back-up roles.

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