"Draft Mara leaves the NBA in shock: 'It's incredible'"
Spanish is going from strength to strength, and due to the injuries in the team, he is establishing himself as a starter.
The NBA continues to be surprised by the rapid adaptation of Aday Mara, who keeps growing by leaps and bounds with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spanish center recorded his best scoring performance since arriving in the American league with 18 points in the decisive victory against the Washington Wizards (114-75). At just 21 years old and standing 2.21 meters tall, the player developed in Casademont Zaragoza added eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 27 minutes. He did so with excellent shooting percentages: 8 of 10 from the field and a successful attempt from his only three-point shot.
Mara once again demonstrated his ability to intimidate opponents, but also showcased his growing offensive repertoire. With hooks, blocks, and quality moves, the Aragonese player reminded everyone once again of Pau Gasol. Additionally, he opened his three-point scoring account in the NBA on a night particularly special for him.
Ten consecutive games with at least one block
One of the most striking statistics for Mara is his consistency in protecting the rim. The Spaniard has achieved at least one block in each of the ten games he has played so far in the NBA, a mark also set by Pau Gasol during his debut season. With 19 blocks accumulated, he averages close to two per game.
Only Victor Wembanyama and Myles Turner have managed to record at least one block in every game this season. The ease with which Mara stops his opponents has caught attention even during broadcasts. His ability to block shots resembles the movements of a volleyball player, a discipline where his mother, Angélica “Geli” Gómez, excelled as a professional, especially for her blocking skills.
The Spaniard is also leaving quality details on the offensive end. He opened his scoring account against Washington with one of his characteristic hooks and finished his performance with an elegant back shot, in the style of Nikola Jokic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed to his offensive production with several passes in pick-and-roll situations, acknowledging the work Mara does with his screens to facilitate actions for the MVP.
The first three-pointer and praise from teammates
Mara's first attempt from beyond the arc was another highlight of the night. The center initially hesitated to take the shot but ultimately turned that indecision into a fake before scoring. His teammates particularly celebrated the success.
A defense that goes far beyond blocks
Mara's impact isn't limited to his spectacular actions near the rim. His intelligence, wingspan, and long arms allow him to disrupt opposing possessions in virtually any situation, just as he did during his NCAA days. In the NBA, however, he can no longer stay constantly close to the paint and must adapt to a much faster style of basketball.
Doubts about his mobility and ability to defend away from the rim are fading. The Aragonese player is responding confidently in defensive situations with space, adjusting his positioning in pick-and-roll actions and making several efforts during the same possession. His performance is especially surprising because, at 2.21 meters, he has been able to defend top-level guards like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Trae Young.
Against Washington, he also managed to contain Alex Sarr, who finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, although without making a real impact on the game's development. AJ Dybantsa, the number one pick, ended with 19 points. Anthony Davis was not present for the game.
Kenrich Williams also wanted to highlight the evolution of the Spaniard. “He’s evolving right before our eyes. He’s a special player, he’s going to be a special player in this league. He’s going to keep improving, he has areas to work on. I’m really proud of his growth. The three-pointer was the cherry on top,” said one of his teammates.
Mara gains prominence in a Thunder team leading the West
The growth of the Spaniard is also reflected in his importance within the rotation of Oklahoma City. Mara played 27 minutes against Washington, more than starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who spent 18 minutes on the court. Both started the game in the starting lineup, but the German was substituted earlier. Aday did not leave the court until the last 30 seconds of the first quarter and returned as the key center during the final period before the Thunder rested their starters with the game decided.
The Aragonese continues to climb the hierarchy of the reigning NBA champions, who have found in him a solution to the absence of Chet Holmgren, sidelined for at least two months. The team has also had to cope with injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, who will miss the rest of the season.
Despite these absences, Oklahoma City has clinched four consecutive victories and sits at the top of the Western Conference with a record of eight wins and two losses. Meanwhile, the NBA community continues to wonder how Sam Presti, the franchise's general manager, managed to acquire a player of Mara's talent with the 12th pick of the draft, a selection that went relatively unnoticed.
The emergence of the Spaniard is exceeding expectations, and his growth seems to have no ceiling.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Aday Mara deja loca a la NBA: "Es increíble"
