Steven Adams Takes Low Blow As Thunder Stun Warriors

Steven Adams had another night to remember as his Oklahoma Thunder side stamped their mark on the Western Conference final with a blowout win over the Golden State Warriors in game three.

Adams was unwittingly the centre of attention in the second quarter as the Warriors' Draymond Green kicked him in the groin following an aggressive tussle.

After lengthy deliberation the refs looked back at the replay and pinged Green for a flagrant foul, meaning Adams got two free throws and Oklahoma also won possession back. But the kick seemed to act as a catalyst for the Thunder who sprung into life and led by 24 points at halftime.

Kevin Durant scored 33 points, Russell Westbrook had 30 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, and the Thunder had all the highlights as they strolled to a 133-105win to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Serge Ibaka added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who matched a franchise record for most points scored in a playoff game. Oklahoma City reasserted its dominance on the glass, outrebounding Golden State 52-38.

The last time Golden State's Stephen Curry had played in Oklahoma City, he scored 46 points, tied an NBA record with 12 3-pointers and hit a game-winning, 37-footer. This time, the league MVP finished with 24 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Klay Thompson added 18 points on 8-for-19 shooting.

Game 4 will be Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

NZ Herald