Basketball: Steven Adams returns to OKC Thunder after two-game absence in win over Utah

Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi big man Steven Adams made a triumphant return from injury on Thursday as the Oklahoma City Thunder shocked the Utah Jazz to run out 107-79 winners.

The Kiwi big man had missed the team's past two matches due to a concussion, but returned to take his spot in the starting line up after clearing the NBA concussion protocols.

All systems go. @RealStevenAdams back in the starting lineup tonight. #OKCvsUTA pic.twitter.com/n7ydZiHwLM

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 20, 2017

In Adams' absence, the Thunder staggered to a one-point win over the Denver Nuggets, and were soundly beaten by the New York Knicks.

With their presence in the middle back, and Utah missing key cogs in their system in superstar big man Rudy Gobert and rookie shooting guard sensation Donovan Mitchell due to injury, the Thunder got off to a dream start.

Holding Utah to just nine first-quarter points, there were clear signs early on that the Thunder were there to play.

Utah found some fight after a dismal opening stanza, but they had no answer for a red-hot Thunder side.

With the team well in control throughout the match, Adams, point guard Russell Westbrook and forward Carmelo Anthony took no part in the fourth quarter to give the bench valuable minutes on the floor.

The Kiwi big man finished with 11 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes on the floor.

The 24-year-old picked up right where he left off in his return, proving to be a valuable asset to the side. So far this season, he is posting averages of 13.7 points on 63.5 percent shooting from the field, adding 8.8 rebounds per game, all of which are career highs.

With the win, the Thunder go above the .500 mark, with 16 wins and 15 losses.