⌕/
Georges Niang · In a performance that included everything from long-range bombs from 25 feet away to crafty finishes just inches from the rim, George Niang’s location, poetically, remained precisely the same: one step ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense. Still in the early stages of assembling what would become his NBA career’s best showing to date, the sharpshooting forward hunts down a defensive rebound, calling his own number on a potential open-floor chance. Using the Cleveland Cavaliers’ handoff-heavy tendency to trick the opposition, Niang fakes the give to a teammate, flustering the Bucks’ defensive set before taking the unguarded path to the rim for a wide-open layup. Niang succeeded in his goal of helping extend the Cavs’ winning streak to six on January 17, 2024, but not without first making history. Turning in a 33-point, five-rebound showing with five 3-pointers — and on a near-perfect 13 of 14 shooting — Niang’s efficient field goal percentage finished No. 1 in NBA history among bench players to hit that point total. · State of Mint