Ivica Zubac

In the postgame press conference that followed the highest-scoring postseason game of Ivica Zubac’s career, the Dallas Mavericks head coach appropriately described him with one word: “Big.” Given the size advantage on his post-ups, the impact he provided for a team missing its No. 1 star, and his elite ranks in the game’s box score, it’s likely that assessment won’t come with dispute. A dominant, bruising presence against any matchup the Mavericks could propose, Zubac steps into one early-game possession with his eyes alight, sensing his chance at a rare, will-imposing post-up opportunity against a point guard. Barricading Kyrie Irving’s frame entirely with one powerful shiver of the shoulder, the talented L.A. Clippers big man establishes himself deep in the paint, setting the stage for an authoritative finish at the rim, drawing both a foul and the home crowd’s admiration. Overwhelming the Mavericks’ interior from both the low block and in the pick-and-roll, Zubac was an accurate description of the term “immovable object,” helping guide the Clippers to a series-opening win on April 21, 2024. One of three different 20-point scorers for Los Angeles’ attack, Zubac recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, one steal, and one block.