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Ivica Zubac · One week into a 2024-25 season that offered three consecutive 20-point outbursts, Ivica Zubac, albeit through a small sample size, fittingly boasted the look of a player poised to reach the height of his powers in Year Nine. Already disadvantaged against his 7-foot frame, the Golden State Warriors found that such a height proved too lofty to reach on October 27, 2024. Organized offensively, even upon clinging to a three-point lead in the final two-and-a-half, Zubac and the L.A. Clippers work a long-proven pick-and-roll, presenting the veteran big with only a pair of Golden State Warriors guards blocking his path. Nifty in a guard-like hesitation himself, Zubac sells the idea of a weak side pass effectively enough to shuffle Brandin Podziemski’s defensive stance before barreling through for a two-handed flush. Through pristine late-game execution, Los Angeles hung on for a victory, with Zubac, impressive throughout, starring with 23 points (on 10-of-19 shooting), 18 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. · State of Mint