Basketball: Steven Adams reveals love of jiu-jitsu as source of on-court strength

Steven Adams has shown plenty of rebounding prowess this season. Photo / Getty Images

Steven Adams has revealed a surprising souce of his strength on the basketball court - his love of jiu-jistu.

Granted, the 24-year-old Kiwi isn't able to participate in the Brazillian martial art - the injury risk is far too high - but that doesn't stop him from applying what he can from it into his basketball repertoire.

Speaking to the Norman Transcript, Adams responded to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler. who compared his strength to that of someone from Superman's home planet of Krypton after the sides met last week.

Adams said it was all about working the right angles when matched up against an opponent.

"I understand how to move and where they're getting their power from, so I take that away. But if it was like a power match I'd probably lose," Adams said.

"Anything power related where they have everything they need and I have everything maxed out and everything I need, I'll probably lose. I'll probably just be smart with angles, just so I can get an extra edge.

"I don't think I'm actually stronger than most guys."

Butler would disagree, as he told media exactly what it felt like to run into the big Kiwi last Thursday (NZ time) after his Timberwolves beat Adams's Oklahoma City Thunder.

"He hit me with one screen today and I thought my life was over," Butler said.