⌕/
Bronny James · Of all the environments capable of potentially housing the first-ever bucket of Bronny James’ NBA career, there was one that figured to hold an additional layer of heartfelt significance. With only a half-quarter remaining in an already-decided game, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ audience — through both a rousing “We Want Bronny” chant, and a subsequent standing ovation — made it clear where that atmosphere lied on October 30, 2024. Straight-faced and composed amidst emotion, the No. 55 pick played his part in fulfilling the people’s request, first with a shifty switch-hand dribble on a screen rejection, opening the floodgates for an inside-the-arc, one-on-one situation. Deceptive in a raise-up likely to evoke similarities to his Hall of Fame-bound father, the Akron-born rookie elevates into a 14-footer, electrifying a crowd best described as both a “road arena,” yet a home one all the same. Among the night’s most-discussed, even in the Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat, James commanded headlines through an eventual two-point, two-assist, one-steal showing in just five minutes. · State of Mint