Nikola Vučević

Of all the words one might use to describe the Minnesota Timberwolves’ comeback on November 7, 2024 — one in which they trailed for 38 of 48 minutes, only to prevail by double digits — “turbulent” would perhaps be most accurate. Long before they had survived the peak-and-valley-filled battle in Chicago, though, Nikola Vučević was busy, introducing them to crafty, around-the-rim rollercoasters of his own. Emptying his briefcase of offensive moves throughout the evening, Vučević tests physics on a pick-and-pop, immediately punishing Rudy Gobert’s hard closeout, and thus, unbalanced stance with a fast-paced drive left. Understanding the need to bring one’s best upon entering the four-time Defensive Player of the Year’s wheelhouse, Vučević pumps his brakes with a skillful show-and-go, freeing himself before reverse-pivoting into a hook shot, drawing the United Center’s unified admiration. Minnesota’s 79-point second half and subsequent comeback ultimately dealt the Chicago Bulls a loss, but Vučević, working similar plays throughout, kept Minnesota’s defense guessing, tossing in 25 points (on 11-of-15 shooting), five rebounds, two assists, one block, and three 3-pointers.