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Robert Williams III · Seemingly on the wrong end of a playoff-like calendar quirk that scheduled the Minnesota Timberwolves for a three-games-in-five-days test, the Portland Trail Blazers limped back to the drawing board, analyzing ways to reverse the fortunes of its 25-point loss. Nevermind that it was his first week back after a 368-day hiatus; the task proved perfectly attainable for the man affectionately known as “Time Lord.” Beginning to rediscover his previous form, Robert Williams III rotates towards the paint on a drive, presenting an intimidating-enough presence to both prompt Donte DiVincenzo to hesitantly reconsider his future plans, and force a turnover. Through a hustle-minded race towards the floor’s opposite end, Portland’s center strings an additional clip to November 12, 2024’s already-impressive reel, taking his teammate’s handoff and powering it through for a contested and-one finish. Home, already, to one of the NBA’s more intriguing frontcourt puzzles, Williams offered the Blazers another usable piece, tallying 19 points (on 9-of-10 shooting), accompanied by nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, three blocks, and a +13 plus-minus in victory. · State of Mint