Not even the historic Spanish center, a two-time champion, managed to achieve these numbers earlier in his rookie season. While Gasol recorded his first double-digit mark in his sixth NBA game, Mara did so in just his fourth. It was a particularly significant night for the Aragonese player, who continues to earn a more prominent role in the rotation of the team coached by Mark Daigneault.
The center, who came through the Casademont Zaragoza youth system, enjoyed his most complete performance to date. In addition to his double-double, Mara recorded two assists and two blocks in nearly 20 minutes of play, going 4-for-6 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Chet Holgrem's absence meant Aday served as Isaiah Hartenstein's backup center throughout the game, allowing him to log more playing time than ever before in a single game.
"He is a really impactful player. I don't think he had his best game in relation to what he has done, which I think is a compliment for a young player. But he has potential and we are very excited about him," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said at the postgame press conference. Daigneault is increasingly trusting Mara, who is becoming a key piece in his franchise's rotation.
CLASH WITH DILLON BROOKS
Alongside making his mark statistically, Mara experienced a common NBA episode: a confrontation with villainous player Dillon Brooks. After running into Aday on the way to the basket, the most frequent suspect in such incidents in the American league grabbed his groin area before subsequently shoving the Aragonese player.
Mara did not fall for the Suns player's provocation, as Brooks was assessed a flagrant foul that sent the Zaragoza native to the free-throw line. Moments before the altercation, Mara, who is collecting blocks against important figures in the league, had swatted away the Canadian's shot and also blocked Devin Booker. Victor Wembanyama was the first name on a list of victims that will surely grow game after game.
