Basketball: Career-high not enough for Steven Adams and the Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams finishes at the rim against the Lakers. Photo / AP

A career-high 20 points from Steven Adams was not enough to prevent Oklahoma City from falling to defeat today.

The Kiwi centre put his side ahead late against the Lakers, claiming an offensive rebound and finishing at the rim with 13 seconds remaining, but the Thunder were then undone by Nick Young's game-winning three-pointer.

Adams shot nine-of-13 from the field against Los Angeles, besting his previous best of 17 points set in January. He also added six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in a productive 31 minutes.

The road defeat dropped Oklahoma City to a disappointing 8-7 in the new NBA season, handing them a sixth loss in eight games.