NZL/USA - Kiwi Adams has double-double as Thunder advance to Conference Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY (NBA) - Steven Adams is young, big and very talented.

The New Zealander also showed everyone on Thursday night in the NBA playoffs that he has a very, very bright future.

The 2.13m center came off the bench and played 40 minutes to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-98, and clinch a spot in the Western Conference Finals.

The 20-year-old rookie had 10 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block.

"I think Steven was huge," said Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.

"I think our bench came in and did a great job."

The Thunder needed their reserves to come up big with center Kendrick Perkins forced to the bench with foul trouble and Spain international Serge Ibaka having to leave the court with an injury.

Adams had already been getting more playing time.

He logged 23 minutes and finished with nine points, four boards and a couple of swats in the Thunder's 105-104 Game 5 triumph.

Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks says the pivot is making steady progress.

"What we've done is try to keep it real simple with Steven," he said.

"First, just play hard. I think he's mastered that.

"Sounds easy, but it's not easy. A lot of guys don't play hard. But Steven does."

New Zealand basketball fans are hoping that Adams will play for the Tall Blacks at the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer when they take on the USA, Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, Turkey and Finland in Group C.

NBA MVP Durant, meanwhile, had another big performance in the Game 6 triumph.

The USA star scored 39 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

The Thunder will take on the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

The Washington Wizards, meanwhile, came up short in their bid to upset the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Indiana finished off the Wizards on Thursday, winning Game 6, 93-80.

David West had 29 points to lead the Pacers, who next face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

FIBA