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Ivica Zubac · Given the fact that 7-foot giants and 6-foot guards unpredictably roam the NBA’s floors together, phrases such as “picking on someone your own size” are often better suited elsewhere. Through one brilliant, rare five-second sequence, though, Ivica Zubac showcased just how thrilling the result can be when a player welcomes every challenge in his way. Unwisely assuming he’d gotten a leg-up on the L.A. Clippers defense after retrieving a breakaway inbounds pass, Scoot Henderson learns the first lesson, having his highflying jam attempt sent backwards and into the hands of Deandre Ayton. Unrivaled by neither the 6-foot-3 Henderson, nor the 7-foot Ayton, Zubac meets the next try with equal resistance, again denying entry. It was that kind of week for Los Angeles’ do-no-wrong center, as he completed NBA history’s fourth-highest plus-minus (+76) over a two-game span. January 16, 2025’s tally allowed for a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, alongside a 10-point, eight-rebound, three-assist, two-steal, two-swat finish. · State of Mint