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San Antonio Spurs · The inevitably-arriving years of Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and the up-and-coming San Antonio Spurs forcefully tilting the top Western Conference’s scales, as the 2023-24 season confirmed, would remain in the distant future. Yet, with rim-rattling jams, 3-point accuracy and a powerful display of teamwork, the youthful group offered their first considerable tug. Cast into the role of “spoiler” during the season’s penultimate game, the NBA’s third-fastest-paced team executed with swiftness, delivering a 23-point comeback to stun the then-defending-champion Denver Nuggets in their quest towards securing the No. 1 seed. The ripple effect-filled loss forced Denver into a three-way tie that ultimately dropped them to No. 2, all the while affording the Spurs with valuable momentum heading into a sure-to-be-cinematic 2024-25 run. Wembanyama, in particular, added padding to an already-solidified Rookie of the Year case, searing the Nuggets for a 34-point, 12-rebound game in what he called “maybe the biggest win of the season” thereafter. Two seasons removed from hitting NBA history’s furthest game-winning shot (61 feet), Devonte’ Graham opted for something more trustworthy during this go-round, gathering through Jamal Murray for a five-foot floater, sending the Spurs’ arena into a euphoria they certainly wouldn’t mind experiencing going forward. · State of Mint