Ricky Rubio’s ‘double-double’ (12 points, 10 assists), who has not prevented the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat against Memphis Grizzlies (132-121), has been the highlight of the second day of the NBA with little Spanish participation, since neither Santi Aldama nor the Hernangómez brothers have come off the bench.
Of the five Spaniards called to debut last morning, only two had the confidence of their respective technicians, Rubio and also Usman Garuba, who played 8 minutes in which he contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds for some Houston Rockets clearly defeated by Minnesota Timberwolves (124-106).
For his part, the Catalan base, relegated for the moment to the substitution by Darius Garland, played 25 minutes with the Cavaliers and there was no Spanish duel on the field, since Aldama will have to wait to debut. Ja Morant’s strong performance (37 points) propelled the Grizzlies to their first win of the season.
Similarly, neither Juancho nor Willy Hernangómez have confidence for now and their respective teams started with defeat. Boston Celtics fell after overtime at Madison Square Garden, surpassed by New York Knicks (138-134), and more clearly did the New Orleans Pelicans against Philadelphia Sixers (97-117).
–STATISTICS OF SPANISH PLAYERS.
RICKY RUBIO: 12 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
USMAN GARUBA: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
