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Christian Braun · Seeing the first rematch of last season’s Western Conference Semifinals slipping through its palms, the Minnesota Timberwolves, reasonably, had reason to worry, having fallen on the wrong end of a late-game 9-0 run. As fate would have it, it was nothing compared to the not-soon-to-be-forgotten run that Christian Braun was about to speed into during a drive down the middle of the floor. Benefitting from an always-intriguing trio of circumstances including selfless ball movement, a high-IQ cut to the rim, and a head-to-head against a rim protector unafraid to contest any shot nearby, Braun prepares for liftoff from just outside the restricted area. Ascending with no plans of returning Earth anytime soon, Braun presents four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert with the rare type of play he couldn’t quite defend, overtaking him for a bench-igniting poster jam. The Timberwolves would ultimately rally for a comeback of their own, dealing Denver a three-point loss on November 1, 2024. Braun, even so, proved spectacular, turning in a team-high +13 plus-minus alongside 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer. · State of Mint