MADRID, 5 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish power forward Santi Aldama was close to his best rebounding version of the season and touched the ‘double-double’ in the victory (119-109) over a decimated Portland Trail Blazers, while Ricky Rubio and Usman Garuba lived more nights discreet with Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets, respectively.
The Canarian player added again in all the boxes, contributing 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Aldama played more than 23 minutes in the Grizzlies’ 50th win this season, his record in a regular season. Desmond Bane was the best of the locals with 30 points and three triples at the end to come back, followed by Ja Morant (23).
The Blazers flew to Tennessee without Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons or Jusuf Nurkic, so it was Skylar Mays, on a 10-day contract with the franchise, who led Portland with 24 points, ahead of Shaedon Sharpe and his 20 points. It is his sixth loss in the last seven games, to go thirteenth in the West.
On the other hand, Ricky Rubio closed the victory (113-117) of the ‘Cavs’ over the Orlando Magic with 3 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 block in just 11 minutes of play. He chains three games adding less than 15 points, in his strategy to increase the load on the track. Donovan Mitchell surpassed 40 points (43) for the fourth consecutive game, while Paolo Banchero (20) stood out for the Magic.
Finally, Garuba barely enjoyed 10 minutes in the victory (124-103) of his Rockets against the Nuggets, although he was productive in rebounding, picking up 8 balls. In scoring, he only added three points, without success from the triple. Denver was already carried away with the leadership of the West secured, and with Nikola Jokic, who did not exceed 14 points, far from the best version of him.
–SPANISH PLAYERS STATISTICS:
SANTI ALDAMA: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal.
RICKY RUBIO: 3 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 block.
USMAN GARUBA: 3 points and 8 rebounds.