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Victor Wembanyama · Notably unselfish in his approach, even despite already boasting one of NBA history’s most uniquely-tailored skillsets, Victor Wembanyama found time on the night of his 20th birthday to present the Milwaukee Bucks with a gift of their own: a puzzle they couldn’t quite solve. Guiding his San Antonio Spurs into a nationally-televised close-up against the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, the soon-to-be named 2023-24 Rookie of the Year shined under the bright lights. Seamlessly blending his athleticism and physical gifts with innovation, Wembanyama overwhelmed the Bucks with almost unheard of one-step-in-the-lane self-alley-oop jams, following it up with a behind-the-back wraparound flush in transition just one quarter later. Certain to ensure impact on both ends, Wembanyama’s final contribution came at the rim, meeting fellow international star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the mountaintop for a high-profile swat, preserving the Spurs’ comeback chances. In an effort he’d later deem “promising,” Wembanyama helped San Antonio go blow-for-blow with one of the NBA’s elites, despite the losing effort on January 4, 2024. Meeting the marquee matchup with a performance to match, the generational big man tallied up 27 points, nine rebounds, one steal, five blocks, and two 3-pointers. · State of Mint