LaMarcus Aldridge shines in preseason finale

In a rematch of last year’s Wester Conference Semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs took down the Houston Rockets 106-97.

While the game renewed a familiar Texas rivalry, both teams were full of unfamiliar faces. However, it was Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge that stole the show Friday night. The power forward scored a team high 26 points, secured 10 boards and flashed some vision with 3 assists.

Although preseason games are often overlooked, Aldridge looked quicker, stronger and more assertive than he did when put on display a puzzling disappearing act against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

With Kawhi Leonard confirmed out for the season opener and no timetable set for his return, the Spurs can’t afford to have LaMarcus Aldridge go MIA again if they hope to stay afloat in the Western Conference.

LA’s game has regressed each year in the Alamo City, but Spurs fans should take solace in the fact that most players have career years in contract season. If the Allstar big man hopes to get paid in the 2018 offseason, he better perform like a centerpiece of the franchise should.