Aday Mara reaches the level of Michael Jordan or Pau Gasol in his first month in the NBA
The Spanish of the Oklahoma City Thunder is taking advantage of the team's absences and has already given us numbers for the history books
The Oklahoma City Thunder with Aday Mara could not avoid defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers (123-103), who were superior throughout the match. However, the result did not prevent the Aragonese center from standing out individually once again. The player, who is 2.21 meters tall, finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, as well as providing two assists and recording one block in 26 minutes of play.
A record few can achieve
Mara achieved his second double-double in just 11 games in the NBA, matching the records set by Pau Gasol during his early games in the best league in the world. Additionally, he once again showcased his defensive abilities by recording his eleventh consecutive game with at least one block.
This is a feat that very few rookies have accomplished in the history of the competition. Among them are Michael Jordan and several Hall of Famers, such as Pau Gasol himself, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Bill Walton.
A dunk to assert himself
The Spanish international reached 20 blocks this season thanks to a defensive play against Toumani Camara. However, one of the standout moments of his performance came on the other side of the court.
After Branden Carlson blocked him, the Blazers' center denied him a scoring opportunity on a second attempt. On the third chance, however, the former player of Casademont Zaragoza did not miss. Mara soared to dunk the ball and celebrated the action fiercely, leaving an image that did not go unnoticed both on and off the court.
More prominence in Holmgren's absence
The injury to Chet Holmgren is giving Mara the opportunity to take on a more significant role with the Thunder. Although he was not part of the starting lineup, as Jared McCain took his place, the Aragonese player took advantage of the minutes he had to showcase his qualities.
He is also continuing to develop his connection with two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who assisted him on his first dunk of the night. In another notable play, Mara faked Donovan Clingan before hanging on the rim.
This new performance reflects the intelligence and skills that the Spanish center is showing in his first steps in the NBA.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Aday Mara se pone a la altura de Michael Jordan o Pau Gasol en su primer mes en la NBA
