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Monta Ellis · Although the Golden State Warriors’ unforgettable “We Believe” run remained a full season into the future, Monta Ellis — with a lightning-quick first step — took full advantage of his opportunity to get a head start on building faith. With a once-commanding 19-point deficit nearly erased, Ellis keeps the pedal floored, signaling for an isolation from the right wing against veteran defender Antonio Daniels. Quietly one of his generation’s most artful around-the-rim finishers, Ellis deploys first a rapid-fire jab step to clear space on a middle drive before outhanging multiple Washington Wizards defenders for a gravity-defying, double-clutch finish off the glass. The Warriors’ last-ditch comeback attempt would fall short, though Ellis’ bucket did cut the lead to four in the final minutes, prompting an entertaining finish. The dynamic scorer’s final tally on March 27, 2006 concluded with 16 points (on just seven attempts), four rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers as a reserve. The rookie’s showing planted future seeds for both a Most Improved Player of the Year nod in the year thereafter, and a reputation as a memorable bucket-getter in the Bay Area’s history books. · State of Mint