For as much as Walter Clayton Jr. got all the headlines for the Gators during their national title run, it was Alijah Martin who served as the glue guy for Florida. Martin was a do-it-all player who was also a no-nonsense guy who never allowed Florida to feel sorry for itself.
Martin was drafted alongside Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, but Martin’s journey to the NBA has been a bit slower than the other two. And even though Friday wasn’t his first official NBA game, he did score the first seven points of his career in a manner that all Florida fans could recognize.
Alijah Martin scores his first seven points in the NBA
Martin had appeared in three games prior to Friday with the Toronto Raptors, but they were all in mop-up duty, and he had yet to score a point. Martin got his first career points in the 3rd quarter against the Celtics, but it was his second career field goal that made the highlights.
Off a jump ball scenario, Martin had a fast break opportunity, sprinted down the court, and dunked on two Celtic players. It wasn’t quite the same as his eviseration dunk on Auburn during the Final Four, but it did give off some similar vibes.
Alijah Martin’s 2nd NBA bucket was this statement dunk!!!
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) January 10, 2026
The dunk and the stare down!!!! 😤 https://t.co/HibV5slZT1 pic.twitter.com/0JVUpUCp0v
"SEND IT IN, BIG FELLA!"
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 6, 2025
ALIJAH MARTIN AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/VtZIZTFXTf
Martin would later make a three-point shot to finish the game with seven points, three assists, a rebound, a block, and be +3 on the court in 15 minutes of action. Toronto would lose the game to Boston 125-117.
Martin is on a two-way contract with the Raptors, so he can be moved freely between the Raptors and their G-League affiliate. He is getting his opportunity right now because of injuries to Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, as well as RJ Barrett having to exit Friday’s game, which could open the door even further for Martin.