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Deandre Ayton · Providing a steady hand in the Blazers’ final-quarter exchange of haymakers with the L.A. Clippers, Deandre Ayton had quite the idea for the game’s knockout blow: an accurate right hook. A few possessions shy of helping guide his Portland Trail Blazers to victory as eight-and-a-half-point underdogs, Ayton, in prime position to capture a basketball that caroms into his grasp, keeps possession well-protected amidst the three Clippers encircling him. Calm, even in heavy traffic, the gifted center elevates over his right shoulder, balancing into a baby hook that ultimately served as the game-clincher. In a physical finish that featured no additional points over the final 1:38, Ayton proved himself to be heroic, tossing in 15 points (on 7-of-15 shooting), paired with 12 rebounds, one steal, and a block on October 30, 2024. It marked Ayton’s fifth-consecutive double-double, the fourth-longest season-opening streak in Portland’s franchise history. · State of Mint