Aday Mara rejects Wembanyama lob, slams alley-oop back

Thunder led 90-78 in third of opener

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Aday Mara SWATTED Victor Wembanyama's lob attempt and finished with an alley-oop of his own. 👀 https://t.co/dcM0wb72Dl Via @NBAonNBC on X

What happened: The stop came in the third quarter of the opening-night meeting with Thunder ahead 90-78. Mara erased the lob at the rim, then finished the return alley-oop on the break.

Why it matters: Mara arrived as the 7-foot-3 No. 12 pick drafted to counter Wembanyama. Wembanyama opened the season chasing a fourth straight blocks title as the league's projected top defender.

By the numbers: Thunder led 90-78 in third. Mara: 7-foot-3, No. Wembanyama: entered chasing fourth straight blocks title.

What to watch: Opening-night rotations and late rim matchups decide the finish from here. Mara's minutes against Wembanyama stay the matchup to track.

Sources

@NBAonNBC 2026-10-21T04:01:21.406468+00:00

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