Steven Adams has burst into life in Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA pre-season campaign, dominating the inside in a 112-84 win over Minnesota Timberwolves.
The New Zealand centre proved he has overcome two lower-leg injuries incurred in the last fortnight, pouring in 20 points in an emphatic home win.
The 23-year-oldalso pulled down 11 rebounds and produced four blocks in nearly 23 minutes of court time before being rested for much of the final quarter.
It was a relief for Thunder officials, who have nursed Adams since he rolled an ankle early in exhibition game against Real Madrid two weeks ago.
He missed subsequent games against Barcelona, Dallas and Memphis, the latter last Thursday after he suffered another leg injury at practice.
With key scorer Kevin Durant and power forward Serge Ibaka having left the Thunder, Adams will be expected to carry a heavier load in his fourth season.
They face Denver on Thursday before their NBA opener against Philadelphia on October 26.
