Aday Mara Perfect in Thunder Preseason Loss
The rookie center shot a perfect 10-for-10 from the field in a narrow 128-126 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Basketball
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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara scored 22 points on flawless shooting during Wednesday night's preseason game at Paycom Center. Despite Mara's efficient performance, the Thunder fell to the Milwaukee Bucks by a final score of 128-126.
Why it matters
The game served as a pivotal showcase for the Thunder's newest talent, highlighting the developing chemistry between Mara and his teammates. The strong outing demonstrated Mara's potential impact in the frontcourt during his debut season.
Aday Mara finished with 22 points on 10-for-10 shooting, adding six rebounds and one block in 22 minutes of play. Teammate Bennett Stritz contributed 20 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and 3-for-6 from behind the arc.
The players
Aday Mara
Aday Mara is a rookie center who was selected 12th in the NBA draft.
Bennett Stritz
Bennett Stritz is a professional basketball player and the 16th overall pick in the recent NBA draft.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is a professional basketball team that competes in the NBA Western Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team that competes in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The details
Aday Mara found consistent success scoring on rolls and in the post as teammates fed him inside for high-percentage looks. Bennett Stritz also made a successful return to the court, overcoming a recent ankle injury to post double-digit points.
Timeline
Tuesday: Bennett Stritz scored 15 points against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Wednesday: The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Milwaukee Bucks.
Next Monday: The Thunder will face the Atlanta Hawks in a preseason road game.
Season Trajectory
This performance highlights the depth of the Thunder's recent draft class and its potential to influence the team's competitive standing in the Western Conference. Integrating these rookies successfully will be essential as the team navigates the remainder of its preseason schedule.
Aday Mara's perfect shooting accuracy provides a positive efficiency metric for fantasy basketball rosters looking for high-percentage contributors. Bennett Stritz's successful recovery from an ankle injury confirms his availability for the upcoming road game against Atlanta.
The takeaway
Rookie performance in the preseason often sets the floor for player rotations when the regular season begins. Developing interior chemistry with new big men remains a priority for the coaching staff as they evaluate roster depth.
What happens next
The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue their preseason preparation with a scheduled road game against the Atlanta Hawks next Monday.
Further reading
For more on the team's development, visit the Oklahoma City Basketball page.
Live Poll
Does a rookie's strong preseason performance increase your confidence in your local team's season?
