Jalen Williams · About as accurate as one could be during a frenetically-paced first half that featured 3-pointers of every assortment, Jalen Williams discovered that one-legged, clock-beating triples over 7-footers, even, were within the game’s itinerary on November 1, 2024. Behind by a bucket with halftime’s horn five seconds away, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s third-year star adjusts his scope on a momentum-building triple with Deandre Ayton deterring his path through a backpedal and contest. Liking his probability regardless, Williams elevates into an in-rhythm 32-footer, temporarily silencing the Portland Trail Blazers’ crowd through a game-tying score. Only a few months removed from burying a same-sided game-winner over the Blazers last season, Williams’ bucket-getting heroics again played a role in a victory over his Pacific Division foes. With an early-season shot that dropped as frequently as leaves in fall, Williams’ final box score oversaw 22 points (on 8-of-12 shooting), five rebounds, four assists, four steals, and four 3-pointers. · State of Mint · State of Mint