3 May 2014

Punching Adams earns ban

11:56 am on 3 May 2014

New Zealand basketballer Steven Adams has struck again, by being struck.

The Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph has been suspended for punching the big centre in the jaw, in Friday's crunch playoffs win by Adams Oklahoma City Thunder.

That means the Grizzlies will be without their leading scorer for Sunday's final game of their opening round Western series in Oklahoma.

It's the fifth time in Adams' rookie NBA season that he's attracted some unwelcome attention with his defence, earning the offenders three suspensions, an ejection and a fine.

On Friday, the Rotorua-born seven-footer pulled out a game- and career-high 5 blocks to help the Thunder level their series at 3-all and set up the home decider.