'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.
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.
That’s when Adams did an unusual thing. Instead of trying to score, he turned to try and break Plumlee’s fall.
Steven Adams saved Mason Plumlee from a bad fall instead of going for the layup 👏 pic.twitter.com/rTE5ojbw23
— ESPN (@espn) December 15, 2018
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.
Steven Adams my new fave NBA player https://t.co/koI8GXzP3Z
— WAZZU WASSUP (@CougScoop) December 15, 2018
Bruh not gonna lie, it’s hard to hate Steven Adams
— The Great Hambino (@Ereeezy_) December 15, 2018
Steven Adams the best big man in the league
— Joshua Roth (@_jRoth) December 15, 2018
Steven Adams = class personified pic.twitter.com/USmoOLfxbv
— •Association Addict• (@AA_BallTalk) December 15, 2018
With Yahoo Sports