Wendell Carter Jr.

Unable to create more of a contrast if they tried, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies knew that the possibility for something wacky was in play, when the NBA’s slowest and fastest-paced teams locked horns on February 21, 2025. For Wendell Carter Jr., it presented the opportunity to send a message: when the opportunity for a hustle play arises, Orlando would have no issue expediting its process. Statistically tracking among the NBA’s better producers in terms of offensive loose balls recovered, Carter provides the illustration, offsetting the Grizzlies’ deflection with a tip-out pass of his own, eventually setting up a teammate’s 3-point misfire. With antennas raised already, the seven-year big man offers one final possession-saving contribution, outmuscling Santi Aldama for a putback jam to put Orlando ahead by double-figures. Superior late-game execution helped Memphis prevail in a one-point win, but Carter shined regardless of the result, collecting a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double alongside two steals.