Dario Šarić · Before the opening question of his postgame question-and-answer could even be understood, the Denver Nuggets’ head coach had already outlined a verifiable two-word reason for his team’s defeat in the first of a two-game set against the Memphis Grizzlies: making shots. Two nights later, with such a luxury bordering on requirement to close November 19, 2024’s NBA Cup victory, his newly-acquired eight-year veteran’s answering of the call made certain the question wouldn’t surface twice. Drifting towards his teammate closely enough to encourage Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive help gamble, Šarić cashes in his table's chips on a spot-up 3-pointer, separating the Memphis Grizzlies from arm’s reach of its fierce comeback bid. Keeping Denver’s trend of big-time buckets from European bigs flowing, even without its three-time Most Valuable Player, Šarić’s dagger climaxed a performance that included eight points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, two 3-pointers, and a +10 plus-minus. · State of Mint · State of Mint