Steven Adams made his presence felt in his return from a one-game absence as the Oklahoma City Thunder strengthened their hold on the fourth seed in the West.
Adams, returning from a hip contusion, posted 18 points with 14 rebounds (10 offensive) and five blocks as the Thunder topped the Los Angeles Clippers 121-113.
After sitting out their win against the Hawks earlier in the week, Adams suited up in what shaped up to be an important match in terms of making the playoffs.
The Clippers, fighting to remain among the top eight, came out swinging to lead the game after the opening 12 minutes.
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Advertise with NZME.However, the Thunder kicked it into gear in the second quarter to take the lead at half time.
The 10-point deficit in the quarter proved to be decisive, as they were unable to make up the gap.
Led by Adams and point guard Russell Westbrook's 101st career triple double, the Thunder got production across the court.
Forward Paul George posted 19 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, while shooting guard Corey Brewer added 22 points.
As well as giving them some room ahead of the teams breathing down their neck in the playoff race, the Thunder will take confidence from the win.
Their run into the playoffs doesn't get any easier, with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, the top two teams in the East, next on the agenda.
