TORONTO, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) — LaMarcus Aldridge had a season-high 33 points and a career-high 23 rebounds to lead the Portland Trailblazers in a 94-84 victory over the Toronto Raptors here on Friday night.
Coming into the game, Aldridge ranked seventh in the NBA league with 22.5 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in fourteen regular season games. Behind Aldridge in eighth place is Andrea Bargnani with 22.3 points.
Five years ago, Aldridge and Bargnani both sat in the same room at Madison Square Garden for the 2006 NBA draft, anxiously waiting to see what their future would hold. With the first overall pick, the Raptors selected Bargnani. One pick later, Aldridge was taken second by the Trailblazers.
Over the five years, both players have remained with their original club as they enter the prime of their career. For Aldridge, the 6 foot 11 inch forward has found a comfort level with the Portland organization and has developed into an all-star calibre player.
Last year, Aldridge averaged 21.8 points along with 8.8 rebounds in 81 games. His exclusion from the all-star game was considered by many to be one of the biggest snubs of the game. His exceptional performance was recognized by being selected to the All-NBA Third Team.
The Dallas native was also recognized by his country when he was selected as one of the 20 finalists to represent team USA’ s 2012 Olympic squad. Chairman Jerry Colangelo and Coach Mike Krzyzewski will have until June 18th to narrow down the roster from 20 to 18 players. Of the 18 selected, 12 will be able to dress up while the remaining six are alternatives in the event of an injury or a strategic change by the coach’ s discretion.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2012-01/21/c_131372110.htm
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