The Oklahoma City Thunder posted a couple of good wins over the weekend to improve their record to 37-29 and move the 8th spot in the NBA Western Conference.
On Saturday the Thunder accounted for the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-99 and then on Monday (NZ time) defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-100.
Steven Adams came off the bench against the Timberwolves contributing 3p/9r/2a/2s/2b. In his fourth game back after injury on Monday he landed a starting role and contributed significantly to OKC’s success.
The Kiwi centre played 33 minutes, scored 14 points (6/13FG) and added 11 rebounds a couple of blocks, a steal and an assist.
Having caused a major upset last week by beating Spanish League leaders Real Madrid, La Bruixa d’Or Manresa slipped back into losing habits going down at home 79-64 to Gipuzkoa (9-15). Isaac Fotu scored 8 points and secured 7 rebounds for Manresa who, after last week’s performance, would have felt capable of beating their 14th ranked opponents. They trailed by just 4 points with 10 minutes remaining but gave up the final quarter 26-15.
Also in Spain, Sevilla slipped to last on the ladder after losing 87-81 at Real Madrid. Real are top of the table and had built an 18 points three quarter time advantage but Sevilla gave a spirited showing in the final quarter winning the period 32-20. Kirk Penney only managed 2 points (1/4FG) in this game having averaged 15 points in the previous three outings.
Both Sevilla and Manresa have 6-18 records but now occupy the bottom two slots on the ladder.
In Greece KAO Dramas came unstuck against defending champions Panathinaikos going down 81-65. Dramas trailed from the second minute and were playing catch up against their powerhouse rivals who improved to 18-2. Dramas slipped to 7-13, 10th on the 16 team table.
It wasn’t a good night for Rob Loe who failed to score on 4 attempts from the field but did contribute 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Jarrod Kenny is heading back to NZ as his German club Licher Baeren failed to make the play-offs in the German B League. The Bears finished 9th in their division – only the top 8 progressing.
LACEY LOWDOWN 