Steven Adams had never made a three-pointer in his NBA career coming into Thursday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. While many centers from this era have felt pressure to develop a dependable perimeter jump shot to keep up with a modern game that places a heavy emphasis on three-point shooting, Adams’ devotion to the traditional big man skill set that got him into the league is part of what makes him so endearing.
Steven Adams’ one-handed heave beyond half-court is the perfect way to hit his first three-pointer
Steven Adams tossed up a quarterback-style half-court heave against the Pelicans. It fell for his first ever three-pointer.
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Adams finally made a three against New Orleans, and it’s the type of shot he’ll never forget.
With the Thunder clinging to a two-point lead against the Pelicans at the end of the second quarter, Adams released a one-handed heave from beyond the half-court logo just before the halftime buzzer. He hit nothing but net.
Adams had been 0-for-19 in his career from three-point range. Make it 1-for-20. It’s worth noting he did hit a three-pointer in the preseason this year, and it came the same night Ben Simmons made his first (unofficial) NBA three-pointer.
Adams reacted in the only appropriate way, by shimmying into the locker room.
Adams’ shot actually proved to be pretty important. Behind the highest scoring game of Zion Williamson’s brief career, the Thunder had to fight off the Pelicans late in the fourth quarter to secure a 123-118 win. Adams finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and a steal in the win.
And, for once, a three-pointer.
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