Steven Adams keeps cool, rules boards in OKC win

Even in moments of frustration, Kiwi NBA star Steve Adams knows how to keep his composure.

Adams has overcome a poor shooting night to help his Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Portland Trailblazers 105-99 at home.

But through his struggles, he remained focused on NOT joining team-mate Ene Kanter on the side-line with a self-inflicted injury.

Last week, Kanter punched a chair during a time-out against the Dallas Mavericks and may miss two months with a broken arm.

There were times today that Adams seemed on the point of following suit, but restrained himself admirably ...

He clocked 38 minutes for seven points (3/11 FG, 1/4 FT), 13 rebounds and two steals, contributing to his team's dominance on the boards. Guards Victor Oladipo and forward Andre Roberson also chipped in double-figure rebounding performances.

Point guard Russell Westbrook led all scorers with 42 points, while Oladipo had 24. Point guard Damian Lillard paced Portland with 29 points.

Their second straight victory saw OKC improve to 30-22 for the regular season, 2.5 games behind Utah Jazz for the Northwest Division lead and good for seventh place in the Western Conference.