It took all of three regular-season matchups for him to confirm the proper plan of attack, but in head-to-head showdowns against Victor Wembanyama’s 7-foot-4 frame, Ivica Zubac officially has the gameplan perfected: physicality at a maximum, and layups at a minimum. Potent enough in his blend of power and agility to give 2023-24’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up a run for his money, Zubac takes his chance, first through a space-clearing screen-and-roll that, if nothing else, afforded a running start. With the rim a step or two ahead, and the San Antonio Spurs’ sophomore star at his side, Zubac ups his ante, muscling through for a ferocious two-handed flush to bring a comeback-hungry arena to its feet. The L.A. Clippers’ first win at Intuit Dome couldn’t have been more memorable, as Zubac’s group overcame a 26-point deficit, securing one of recent history’s largest come-from-behind victories. Doing dirty work along the paint’s trenches throughout, Zubac’s production allowed for 17 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and a +16 plus-minus on November 4, 2024. · Nov 5, 2024