LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 05: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Steven Adams appeared to suffer a leg injury Wednesday night.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference and are still in a battle to earn better position in the standings. One injury to a key player could doom their chances of success.
Steven Adams is the team’s leading rebounder and has been a consistent force for the Thunder since being drafted by the team in 2013. That is why fans may have panicked when he appeared to suffer a brutal leg injury Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luckily, Steven Adams appears to be fine
That was ugly and Adams looked to be in serious pain. His leg got bent up beneath him and the weight of JaVale McGee didn’t make the situation any better. Adams left the court and fans were worried.
But Adams is tougher than both you and I and returned shortly after what initially looked like it could be a season-ending injury.
Adams is either the toughest man alive or the fall simply wasn’t as bad as it looked. Either way, this is an impressive return to the court and one that prevents any Thunder fans from panicking.
Oklahoma City was sitting sixth in the standings entering Wednesday’s game and could easily rise up to the fourth spot by jumping the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz. This is quite the season for a team that lost a star in Russell Westbrook, and it speaks to the leadership of Adams and Chris Paul.
Having both veterans on the floor is a necessity and this injury scare will fade away as quickly as it showed up.