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EUGENIO MUÑOZ
Updated
In the In the United States (and in English) the term is frequently used breakthrough to designate those players who are leading a season of change, of total revolution. In the very meaning of the word, progress, discovery…this way of qualifying those who take the next step is contained. And he accompanies Santi Aldama, the only Spaniard in the NBA. It’s already common, But he once again repeated a great performance with the Memphis Grizzlies and may be facing a year that will bring him a historic award: that of the best Sixth Man in the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) loses the ball against Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III, center left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The reality The new version of Santi Aldama does everything. Maybe because of that disappointment Due to the non-renewal of his contract, the canary increases his benefits and maintains them over time. He came from not being well at the TD Garden in Boston, and against the weak Washington Wizards he raised his proposal. He did everything in a short time: 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 20 minutes. And he sat down. The match was already won.
It works for Spanish. His franchise does not want to force him and the game was a mere formality for some eager Grizzlies.They destroyed the Washington Wizards 112-140 and up to seven players signed double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr., with 21 points, was the most outstanding along with Aldama. And at 17-8 it puts them one win away from the West leader, the Thunder. In addition to moving to the Rockets who lost to the Sacramento Kings.
An award for Santi
In the case of 7Aldama continues collecting numbers and many are already pointing him out in the front line of favorites for one of the most prestigious awards in the NBA: Sixth Man. The one dedicated to the players who come off the bench to change everything, and there the canary is a specialist. He is in the fight with Payton Pritchardwho starts as a favorite by averaging 16.1 points in Boston, Amen Thompson, which signs 11.9 in Houston or German Magic’s Mo Wagnerat 9.1.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) blocks a shot by Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Aldama, for his part, is in his line of doing everything. In Washington, in addition to the 19+7+5 he placed three blocks and signed a phenomenal statistical card: 7/11 in field goals and 3/5 in triples. He also had the best play, placing a block, running the counter and putting the alley-oop to Jay Huff. His averages of 13.2+7.5 are more than exciting.
For his career and to fight for a difficult award. That players from the United States have only lost five times: two from the German Detlef Schrempf with the Pacers in the 90s (1990-91 and 1991-92), Toni Kukoc with the Bulls (1995-96) and twice for South American players, Leandrinho Barbossa (2006-07, Suns) and Manu Ginobili (2007-08, Spurs). Its last champion was Naz Reid, center for the Timberwolves.
We know that they are tough games and we have to continue like this: sharing the ball, not having selfishness and going in the right direction
Santi Aldama
“We just keep going. We know that they are tough games and we have to continue like this: sharing the ball, not having selfishness and going in the right direction“, confessed the Spaniard after the victory in the city of the United States Capitol.
