Until first-year players have mastered all of the tricks associated with outsmarting opposing defenses in the halfcourt, hustle plays that create open-floor opportunities will often be among the ways they can contribute prior to. Veteran-like in his use of it during March 2, 2025’s battle against the Orlando Magic, Jonathan Mogbo pieces together the second of his two-steal, two-bucket third quarter, intercepting Anthony Black’s pass to get the Toronto Raptors’ offensive train rolling. Rewarded by the game for his two-sided hustle, Mogbo — after a bit of suspense — sequences his swipe with a score, cutting from the weak side before smoothly hanging an unblockable reverse layup off-glass. In a two-point win, ultimately made suspenseful thanks to Orlando’s late-game comeback attempt, Mogbo’s contributions were of magnified importance. Providing a boost in his 19-minute appearance, the No. 31 pick chipped in five points (on two-of-four shooting), five rebounds, one assist, two steals, a block, and a +7 plus-minus. · Mar 2, 2025