Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder take opening playoff match against Utah Jazz

Steven Adams and the Oklahoma City Thunder topped Rudy Gobert's Utah Jazz in their opening match. Photo / Getty Images

Steven Adams set the fans in Oklahoma's Chesapeake Arena alight on Monday when he and point guard Russell Westbrook combined for a massive slam dunk for the big Kiwi.

It was a highlight play of the Oklahoma City Thunder's 116-108 win over the Utah jazz in the opening match of their best-of-seven playoff series, however it looked as though the rim might have gotten the best of the exchange.

Steven Adams skies for the POWERFUL alley-oop! 🔨#ThunderUp @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/6b5UvzfTbf

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2018

After slamming the ball through the hoop, Adams walked back up court holding his hand.

The big Kiwi shook it off, and was able to finish the game to help his side claim the first win of the series.

Adams hand/wrist is hurting. But he's Steven Adams so he's staying in and is fine.

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 16, 2018

Forward Paul George led the side with a dominant performance, scoring 36 points from just 20 shots.

Utah made the better start, led by dynamic rookie Donovan Mitchell and built a 12-point lead after just over five minutes of play.

The Thunder fought back to level the scores at 25 after the opening quarter, and from there, George took over.

The Thunder claimed a six-point lead at the half, and added to it in the third quarter to lead by nine with 12 minutes to go.

Utah won the final quarter, but could only make up one point, with the Thunder claiming an eight-point victory.

The sides will meet for game two on Thursday (NZ time).