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Trae Young · Knowing trick plays to be the name of the game once the All-Star festivities begin, Trae Young arrived on the scene with a creativity that even some of the game’s great on-court magicians couldn’t match. In a perfect example of what it means to let one’s “intrusive thoughts win,” Atlanta’s electrifying point guard catches Kyrie Irving unfocused, tossing a basketball off his jersey’s back to kickstart his open-floor adventure. As if playing a video game and pivoting to his next challenger, Young adjusts his sights to Stephen Curry, vanquishing him with a nutmeg dribble before concluding his eye-opening sequence with a behind-the-back dime, setting up Victor Wembanyama’s jam. Young’s personal rendition of the Kia Skills Challenge became one of February 16, 2025’s premier highlights, even in the loss to Team Shaq’s OGs. By exhibition’s end, Young’s final tally included two rebounds and two assists during an eight-minute cameo for Team Chuck’s Global Stars, as he added a fourth All-Star appearance to his trophy case. · State of Mint