As if aware of just how many eyes would be glued to January 3, 2025’s Colorado-sized battle between two of league history’s most uniquely-talented 7-footers, Devin Vassell decided to turn the evening into a highlight reel farm of his own. Unhesitant in his plan of attack after a pick-and-roll gets him an isolation switch against Nikola Jokić, Vassell — ironically — pairs a between-the-leg hesitation and a blur-quick first step to steer his path to the rim. Welcoming all comers as the possibility for a poster jam becomes increasingly likely, Vassell trampolines into a late-game two-handed hammer over Michael Porter Jr. and Russsell Westbrook, knotting the scoreboard in style. Buoyed by a game-winning steal just minutes later, Vassell presented himself as one of the San Antonio Spurs’ many heroes in the early-year win over the Denver Nuggets. The final box score for the fifth-year star included 18 points (on 7-of-16 shooting), six rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer. · Jan 4, 2025