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Keon Ellis · With an already-set-in-stone reputation as a player capable of bringing big impact in limited minutes, it only made sense for Keon Ellis to create something from nothing during the final seconds of December 30, 2024’s first quarter. Afforded a noticeably-longer leash after the Sacramento Kings’ midseason coaching change, Ellis — reading “3.5” on the game clock — fittingly elects to run free, breaking away from Maxi Kleber with an outlet pass heading his way. Balancing himself as best he can with Jaden Hardy pressuring him towards the far right 3-point corner, Ellis elevates, burying a buzzer-beating triple that springs life into Sacramento’s comeback hopes. Trailing by 17 before Ellis’ triple, the beam-lighting Kings were a different team the rest of the way, as they cruised to a double-digit win of their own. Among 2024-25’s top breakout talents, Ellis overwhelmed the Dallas Mavericks through a seven-point, five-rebound, two-steal, three-deflection finish in 20 minutes. · State of Mint · State of Mint