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Chris Paul · Unofficially known through the NBA’s history books for helping guide up-and-coming talents to a higher stratosphere, Chris Paul required little time in showing how that elevation — both literally and figuratively — would be accomplished with the San Antonio Spurs’ new superstar. Introducing a sure-to-be-repeated highlight play over the 82-game season, the 20-year floor general begins a memorable sequence, first through a crafty stop-and-go dribble to blow past Luka Dončić. A must-respect threat upon entering the painted area, Paul expertly holds the attention of the Dallas Mavericks’ defense just long enough to let fly an alley-oop lob, positioning it exclusively for his 7-foot-4 big to flush through the rim. Mettlesome in their efforts despite being shorthanded in the backcourt, San Antonio would ultimately fall in the season-opening Southwest Division battle on October 24, 2024. Doing his part in keeping the Spurs’ offense reasonably on-schedule nonetheless, the former 12-time All-Star contributed three points, seven rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer across 29 minutes. · State of Mint