Basketball: Steven Adams in playoffs form for Oklahoma City Thunder

Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry passes the ball while under pressure from Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams. Photo / AP

Only a week ago, Steven Adams and the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the possibility of missing the playoffs entirely.

Now, they're on the verge of moving into the third seed in the Western Conference.

The Thunder extended their winning streak to six games on Monday morning (NZT) with a 132-125 win over the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors.

Adams (25 points and 8 rebounds) and point guard Russell Westbrook (37 points 13 rebounds 14 assists) were again key to the win, but in the end the Raptors beat themselves.

With just under five minutes to play, the scores were locked at 119 and the sides jostled for the momentum.

Then, the ejections came.

Raptors star guard duo Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were both sent for an early shower - Lowry for picking up six fouls and DeRozan for two technicals.

They were soon followed by forward Serge Ibaka and head coach Dwayne Casey (two technicals each) as the Raptors capitulated.

Adams was immense throughout the contest, leading the team in scoring until Westbrook went on a one-man crusade in the fourth quarter.

The big Kiwi shot an efficient 10-13 from the floor and tied his career high in assists (4).

With the win, the Thunder moved to just one game back from the West's current third seed Portland Trailblazers.

They'll now get a day off before hosting the East's No.2 seeded Boston Celtics on Wednesday (NZT).