Oklahoma City Thunder: 2017-18 player grades for Steven Adams

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on prior to Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Strengths

The Thunder needed easy points. What better way to get easy baskets than dropping the ball down to your big man?

Steven Adams was also the recipient of many Russell Westbrook lobs. That helped create offense for the Thunder, who struggled during the season to make shots. Adams converted 90.2 percent of his alley-oop attempts.

Westbrook and Adams have built such a great continuity in the pick-and-roll, and Adams was the leader this season in screen assists per game with 4.8. Also, he was second in total screen assists for the season with 362.

Adams’ ability to box out was also on display this season. He led the league in box-outs for the season with 11.5 per game and 877 total. As a result, the Thunder were fifth in the league in rebounding with 45.1 rebounds per game.

To conclude, Adams hustle was a big reason that the Thunder were able to be the 4-seed in the crowded Western Conference.

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