LaMarcus Aldridge on Thursday evening against the Oklahoma City Thunder had the game of a lifetime. He scored 56 total points on the game and simply was the most dominant player on the court, carrying the San Antonio Spurs through double overtime.
He didn't even need to shoot a three-pointer to reach those 56 total points. Per Ben Golliver of the Washington Post, his total points are the most scored without a three-point attempt in an NBA game since Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal dropped 61 points on the L.A. Clippers in the year 2000. It's been almost two decades since such a performance was put on display by a post player.
Entering Thursday's matchup, LaMarcus Aldridge was averaging 19.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 50.4 percent from the field — numbers that will only go up thanks to his career night.
Aldridge's midrange fadeaway jumper is his signature move. The Spurs big man oftentimes isolates in the post to get an open shot. If the defender covers him too close, he can put the ball on the floor or even use an up-and-under post move to score.
The Spurs are now 25-18 on the season and currently sit seventh in the NBA's Western Conference. They will face off next against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch for the ages.