Derrick Jones Jr.

It’s perhaps almost unheard of for a team to get outrebounded 19-6 on the offensive glass — and lose box score battles in both turnovers and free throws — only to still secure double-digit victories. During December 27, 2024’s matchup, though, Derrick Jones Jr. found that while quantity was good, quality was better. Illustrating persistence after his right corner 3-pointer was perhaps a fraction off, the L.A. Clippers highflyer begins a towards-the-paint migration immediately after his teammate’s ultimately-misfired triple goes airborne. Having “warned” the Golden State Warriors’ defense with baseline cuts and second-effort putback layups already, Jones opts for exclamation on this attempt, levitating through the skies for a breathtaking one-handed putback flush, prompting celebratory screams from every spectator. “Airplane Mode” was in full effect in Los Angeles’ win, and Jones paired his enjoyable highlight reel with a just-as-impactful box score, producing 14 points (on 7-of-12 shooting), six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.