The Zaragoza native played 18 minutes and scored 12 points, making all five of his attempts, while grabbing 9 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists and recording 3 blocks. Little more could have been asked of him during his time on the court, and he is already showing glimpses of what he can bring ahead of a season that begins in a few weeks.
ADAY MARA's first preseason game! What a way to make his debut with the @okcthunder! ?????? ?12 points ?5-for-5 shooting ?9 rebounds ?3 assists ?3 blocks ??In just 18 minutes on the court. https://t.co/oHewuf4bTr — NBASpain (@NBAspain) October 7, 2026
It is also worth noting that the Thunder's starters did not play, aside from Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, two important rotation players in Mark Daigneault's system. However, the most prominent players were held out against a Pelicans team that came out in full force at the start of the preseason.
DAIGNEAULT'S COMMENTS ON ADAY
Speaking to the media after the game, Aday Mara was asked about his teammates' reaction on the bench after his block on Derik Queen and his finger roll to score a layup on the following play. "I did see the reaction. It was funny because they were making the finger-roll gesture. I only saw the rim and thought I couldn't dunk it, so I tried to make the layup, but yes, it was fun," he said with a laugh after the game.
Aday Mara getting Shai, Holmgren, Jalen Williams... out of their seats ???? https://t.co/q93jMSqJkq — NBASpain (@NBAspain) October 7, 2026
His coach praised all the work the center has done since being selected by the Thunder in the Draft. "From the time the Summer League ended until he came back, all the way through training camp, he was always working with his head down on his physical conditioning, and it showed tonight. Obviously, he is a very effective player because of his skill level on offense and then his impact on defense, but you have to be in very good shape to do those things. He is working toward that, and it was a very good start for him," Daigneault said.
The Thunder have four games remaining in their preseason before their opener against the San Antonio Spurs on October 21. Oklahoma's franchise will face the Milwaukee Bucks on the 8th, the Atlanta Hawks on the 13th, the Indiana Pacers on the 14th and conclude its preseason against the Houston Rockets on the 16th.
