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Donovan Clingan · Decidedly critical of his performance during a career-opening game just two days prior, Donovan Clingan approached October 25, 2024’s matchup with one external goal in mind: impacting the game more forcefully. For a newly-constructed New Orleans Pelicans frontcourt — with a fellow first-year big seeking to find his own footing — the writing, thus, appeared to be on the wall for Portland’s No. 7 pick to construct a memorable sequence or two. Snatching said moment for himself during a low-scoring, back-and-forth third quarter, Clingan demonstrates ambition, overpowering the barricade of white-jerseyed opponents in his path for a forceful, give-me-your-lunch money-like rebound. Unbothered enough to hoist up a shot attempt amidst the physical scrum, Clingan wins the possession’s battle of 2024 NBA Draft bigs, powering in an and-one over Yves Missi’s valiant-yet-fruitless defensive attempt. The Portland Trail Blazers would fall in a last-second two-point loss, but Clingan, already showcasing redeemable around-the-rim traits, collected four points, six rebounds, and four blocks over a 14-minute span. · State of Mint