Just a few days after San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge achieved a feat that only David Robinson had ever done in a Spurs uniform, the former All-Star made another historic performance on Friday.
But this time, it wasn't in a proud manner.
Aldridge, in an 86-83 loss to the Toronto Raptors, shot just 6-of-25 from the field, which is only 24 percent, finishing the game with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
But it was that shooting percentage that is of significance. A percentage that low for a Spurs player who took at least 25 shots in a game has not been recorded since Tim Duncan did it in 2002. The team Duncan did it against? The Raptors.
LaMarcus Aldridge: 1st Spurs player to shoot worse than 25% from field with 25+ shots since Tim Duncan in 2002, also at Raptors. pic.twitter.com/FIkblUSmkf
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 20, 2018
However, there was a positive that came out of the tough loss to the Raptors. Aldridge added to his double-double total, bringing it to 19 this season, which speaks highly of him stepping up after a lackluster season last year where he had 18 through the entire period, per ESPN Stats and Info.
LaMarcus Aldridge has his 19th double-double this season, already more than he had all of last season (18).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 20, 2018
Shooting 6-of-25 is pretty bad. All in all, the Spurs only scoring 83 points is not very normal for that team, even if Kawhi Leonard is currently out with a quad injury.
Aldridge has been one of the most efficient players in the NBA on the offensive end for practically his entire career. And this season, Aldridge has played extremely well, prompting much All-Star buzz for himself.
The interesting thing is that Duncan once shot that poorly in a game. Duncan was mainly a back-to-the-basket player that had the ability to face up occasionally. Most of this points came in the paint.
Because of that, it makes more sense that Aldridge could have a night as off like Friday night's because he is more of a jump shooter than anything else, and he has even extended his range to the 3-point line.
However, a game like that for a player as good as Aldridge is surely an aberration. He'll be fine, though.
Follow Us
Subscribe