Houston Rockets center Steven Adams appeared high in an anonymous NBA player poll released this week, underscoring his reputation for physicality as the team competes in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Adams ranked third overall in a poll question asking players who they would least like to fight. The survey, conducted by The Athletic from early March through mid-April, included responses from 158 players across the league.
One anonymous player cited Adams' strength and calm demeanor.
Adams' physical style of play has been a defining characteristic of the Houston Rockets under coach Ime Udoka. While not a primary scorer, Adams contributes significantly through rebounding, especially on the offensive end.
In Game 1 of the Rockets' first-round series against the Golden State Warriors, Steven Adams grabbed 12 rebounds, five of which were offensive. The team as a whole secured 22 offensive rebounds, leading to 22 second-chance points.
Houston finished the regular season as the league's top offensive rebounding team, a tactic aimed at compensating for halfcourt offense struggles and generating extra possessions. According to ESPN's Zach Kram writes, lineups featuring both Adams and Alperen Sengun were particularly effective, posting a high net rating and remarkable offensive rebounding percentage.
Despite winning the rebounding battle, the Rockets lost Game 1 to the Warriors 95-85. Turnovers proved costly, with Golden State scoring 25 points off Houston's 16 giveaways.
Forward Dillon Brooks noted the team's physicality and rebounding wear on opponents, but emphasized the need for better shot selection and fewer turnovers. Guard Fred VanVleet echoed the importance of rebounding while calling for improved offensive execution and shooting efficiency from players including himself.
Coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the team's defense was adequate, holding Golden State to 95 points, but described the offense as a "poor showing" due to shooting struggles and turnovers by players like Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
The use of a "double big" lineup featuring Steven Adams alongside Alperen Sengun was seen at times in Game 1 against players like Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, even when Stephen Curry was on the floor.
Adams addressed the team's performance after the loss, highlighting turnovers as a major issue that undercut their rebounding efforts.
"It's been our identity throughout the whole year. One of the other identities that we need to make sure we stay on top of it is not turning it over," Adams said. "The more we turn this s--- over, that's extra possessions for them... But it's definitely important. It's just part of our identity. So obviously, we're not going to shy away from it. We're going to try and utilize that."
Adams played nearly 20 minutes in Game 1, contributing 6 points along with his rebounding totals. Other Rockets players featuring in the game included Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Jock Landale was also mentioned in the anonymous poll.
