Mike Conley · No one player was solely responsible for the birth of the term “3-and-D” in the early-2010s, but after 18 seasons of providing just that, Mike Conley has solidified his spot among its grandfathers. A steady thorn in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s side for a decade-and-a-half, Minnesota’s silky-smooth southpaw creates a new example, escaping the chaos of a crowded top-of-the-key fray to free himself for a spot-up triple. Now faced with the unenviable task of helping shield Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to the rim, Conley successfully sets the bait, turning his defensive “faceguard” into a deflection, and ultimately, a second 3-pointer. Miraculously unfinished, Conley netted a third 3-pointer one possession later, creating a nine-point heat check over a 42-second span. Clouding the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory hopes through a 43-point third quarter rainstorm of their own, Oklahoma City would eventually collect December 31, 2024’s victory. Conley, though, made himself a standout through 16 points (on 5-of-10 shooting), four assists, two steals, and four treys. · State of Mint · State of Mint
