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Jalen Green · By game’s end on December 11, 2024, Jalen Green’s self-described “big jump in free throw percentages” had proved impactful enough to become the top-fold story of the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. But, make no mistake about it: for as long as rockets are airborne, one could’ve been rest-assured that one highflying Houston Rockets star in particular would make at least one jaw-dropping deposit into the end-of-night highlight reel. Eyeballing his opportunity at gifting Houston an early-game double-digit lead, Green moves both quickly and judiciously, stringing a between-the-leg, behind-the-back dribble chain together, movements that creak the door open just wide enough for a drive. Explosive enough to take full advantage of the now-parted red sea in the paint, Green ascends into an audibly-heard one-handed flush, leaving the 18,055 in attendance with jaws agape. Green would ultimately solidify himself as the night’s hero in the most unlikeliest of ways — a selfless, foul-drawing dive for a loose ball, followed by the game-winning charity stripe shots — in conquering the Golden State Warriors. Productive, even given the low-scoring environment, the fourth-year star offered a 12-point, four-rebound, three-assist, three-steal contribution. · State of Mint