The high expectations left by the preseason and Summer League for Santi Aldama were justified in his first game as a starter in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. With 18 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block and 7 of 14 field goals, the Canarian player was the second leading scorer in their team’s overtime win over the New York Knicks (115-112).
A night in which Aldama not only left great plays, including a kill on Julius Randle, several triples and completions with contact. All this to make it the most scoring by a Spanish player on the opening day of his season since Nikola Mirotic in 2018, when he scored 30 against the Houston Rockets.
The best start of the season for a Spanish player by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 (30) in 2018
🙌 @santialdama has gone against the Knicks
18 points
11 rebounds
1 stopwatch
7-14 in CT pic.twitter.com/KIF7Afzn1d— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Spain 🇪 (@sportingnewses) October 20, 2022
But Palmense’s struggles didn’t end there as he put in an excellent performance on defense, soaking up the contact of opponents with more experience and substance like the aforementioned Randle. Aldama left his starting pair on 0-of-2 attempts in front of the rim, 2 assists and 1 turnover in 23 defensive possessions, an unsurpassed balance for his first start.
“As I always say, this is work. But I was focused, New York is a big team, I tried to defend well and take advantage of the shots in attack,” the Spaniard told a press conference. “I think we did a good job of moving the ball and making good defenses. I was excited for my first start, it was a great feeling, but I wanted to get the win, that’s what I always think about in games.”
“Physical improvement is one of the things I’ve been working on.” Sandy continued. “Randle is a very physical player, with a great body. Today was a little more about knowing his game, watching a lot of video to know his tendencies and being ready to absorb contact. That’s not easy, but I think I did a good job.” I work in general. But it helps to have people around you and the audience. Ultimately it’s a defensive job at collective level, the more the rest help me, the easier it is for him. He’s a great player and it’s always difficult to defend him, but that’s the goal.”
In a nationally televised game in the United States, Sadi Aldama was the second scorer for Memphis and lived up to expectations.
Result of the whole summer’s investment in physical and technical improvement. The best example of this is that in her 32 matches Last season sumo 6 of 48 from the triple and only inside tonight he has already saved 3 conversions in 8 attempts.
“This is what I’m working for. This is what I’ve been working for.” Aldama told the media. “After last year I was focused on what’s next. It’s great to play a nationally televised game, we’re going to have a lot more this year. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who or when you play, it’s about being the best version of yourself. This we give as Grizzlies players and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
That baptism will be paramount for him to settle into the position and gain the trust of the coaching staff, especially when his replacement, Brandon Clarke, performed well below expectations, being present on the floor during the Knicks’ return.
The next test for Sadi Aldama will come against Ousmane Garuba’s Houston Rockets on the night of October 21-22 (2:00, NBA League Pass).
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.
