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'Class personified': Kiwi star stuns NBA with incredible moment of sportsmanship

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams gave other athletes a valuable reminder: You don’t have to treat the opponent as an enemy.

The big New Zealander showed compassion and sportsmanship during this weekend’s (AEDT) contest against the Denver Nuggets.

With a little over eight minutes to go in the game, Adams caught a pass while he was wide open near the basket.

What a legend! Steven Adams saves his rival. Pic: Getty
What a legend! Steven Adams saves his rival. Pic: Getty

As Adams was about to cash in on some easy points, Mason Plumlee jumped to defend the shot.

Problem was, Plumlee jumped too early. His leg hit Adams shoulder, and Plumlee went tumbling toward the floor.

Mason Plumlee was heading for a nasty fall. (Getty Images)
Mason Plumlee was heading for a nasty fall. (Getty Images)

That’s when Adams did an unusual thing. Instead of trying to score, he turned to try and break Plumlee’s fall.

It’s tough to know how much Adams’ efforts helped, but it’s the thought that counts. Plumlee didn’t hit the floor all that hard, and wound up being OK. Adams even helped Plumlee get off the court.

Adams couldn’t cash in on his good karma during the contest, as the Thunder lost the game 109-98. Though his team lost, Adams can take solace in the fact that he tried to do a good thing.

Fans certainly noticed the classy act, taking to social media to share how impressed they were with the big Kiwi.

With Yahoo Sports