Each Pack comes with 1 Rookie Moment, 1 Insert Set Moment, and 1 Moment from the 2025 season! 

An unprecedented combination of fanfare, hype and media coverage has made Victor Wembanyama one of the most highly anticipated prospects in NBA history. Undaunted by the attention, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has done nothing but assure San Antonio Spurs fans that the franchise is in good hands so far. In the first regular season game of his career, Wembanyama seizes the opportunity to etch his name in the scoring column, stepping into a catch-and-shoot triple with 8:24 on the clock in the first quarter. Wembanyama finished his October 25, 2023 debut with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.

Victor Wembanyama

There is no “preferred time” for opponents to ever go head-to-head against Stephen Curry, but if 16 years of NBA history has confirmed anything, it’s that 29 franchises should hope to avoid drawing one specific calendar date: February 27. Chronicled already for a 53-point “arrival”-type performance in 2013, the infamous double “bang” in Oklahoma City in 2016, and a 50-point showpiece in 2018, Curry eyeballs his next victim, starting by adjusting his sights to a quite-fitting 51-foot buzzer-beater. By that point, the Golden State Warriors found themselves in a 14-point halftime hole, but a message to the NBA’s No. 1-ranked defense had been sent. History’s most celebrated sniper dedicated the next two quarters to verifying precisely why, using a 35-point (on 14 shot) exhibit to begin the Warriors’ climb back, a journey that ultimately closed in victory. Approaching something close to his Most Valuable Player-winning levels over the post-All-Star break stretch, Curry’s greatness against the Orlando Magic encouraged 56 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Closely behind were double-take-worthy marks from the field (16-of-25), from deep (12-of-19), and from the charity stripe (12-of-12), prompting a 15th 50-point game, and a 32.6-point scoring average on said date.

Steph Curry

March 27, 2025’s top-fold story might’ve preferred a different improbable toss of the basketball, but through his own 12-assist effort, LeBron James made certain that audacious accuracy could be found within both teams’ highlight reels. As if they were running wind sprints during a training camp practice, James’ Lakers lead an almost-symmetrical five-on-two fastbreak with plans of overwhelming the Chicago Bulls’ transition defense. Swinging the basketball as if it were a bag for a hiking trail, James makes magic happen through a no-look, over-the-torso dime to his rim-running teammate for an outstanding open-floor sequence. It took a series of anomalies — namely a five-point comeback in the final 15 seconds, and a 47-foot prayer — for Chicago to secure an unforgettable win, but, as is often the case, James’ box score was brilliant nonetheless. The versatile 21-time All-Star tallied up 17 points, five rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals on the second night of a fast-paced back-to-back.

LeBron James

As far as NBA debuts go, Paolo Banchero’s was one of the best. The Orlando Magic’s No. 1 pick won’t soon forget his first game against the Detroit Pistons, and neither will Cory Joseph after Banchero put the 12-year veteran on a poster with a demonstrative dunk. Banchero made 11 of his 18 field goal attempts for 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks, cementing one of the best debuts from a No. 1 pick in the past half-century. The Pistons won the October 19, 2022 game, but the Magic left Motown feeling fantastic about their new franchise cornerstone.

Paolo Banchero

A tantalizing combination of skill and size since the moment he appeared on the basketball radar, Chet Holmgren’s NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder did not disappoint. Checked by a veteran big in the corner, Holmgren feigns a post move before pivoting into a picturesque turnaround jumper. Holmgren finished his October 25, 2023 debut with 11 points, four boards and three assists.

Chet Holmgren

His first career assist! Just a few minutes into his NBA journey, headline-grabbing Charlotte Hornets rookie guard LaMelo Ball notches his first assist by setting up teammate Gordon Hayward for the three pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 23, 2020. 

LaMelo Ball

The first six minutes of Jalen Williams’ career turned out to be pretty perfect. After the Oklahoma City Thunder made him the 12th pick in the draft, Williams rewards their faith, passing up a three-point attempt to instead take a run right at Karl-Anthony Towns. Williams puts the ball on the floor with his left hand, driving hard toward the basket and getting the best of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ three-time All-Star with a baseline floater. Williams made both of his field-goal attempts and added an assist during his October 19, 2022 professional debut.

Jalen Williams

It took all of one game in the NBA for Bennedict Mathurin to announce his presence. The offensively-gifted Indiana Pacers rookie instantly rewards the team’s faith in him, corralling an inbound pass underneath the basket and leaving his defender scratching his head with a ridiculously difficult reverse layup and foul. Mathurin, the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, came off the bench to score 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting in his debut while adding seven rebounds, two assists and two steals against the Washington Wizards on October 19, 2022.

Bennedict Mathurin

Adding Jaden Ivey to a Detroit Pistons team loaded with young talent has brought basketball excitement back to the Motor City. Despite it being his first career NBA game, the rookie point guard looked at ease in his debut against the Orlando Magic. When a steal lands in his hands, the lightning-quick Ivey is off to the races leading the counterattack, dropping an underhanded scoop pass to teammate Saddiq Bey for a transition layup less than two minutes into his NBA career. Ivey played with the poise of a veteran, tallying 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 113-109 Pistons victory on October 19, 2022.

Jaden Ivey

Despite not suiting up during his lone college campaign last season, Shaedon Sharpe was more than ready for his NBA debut. The Portland Trail Blazers’ prized rookie shows no evidence of rust against the Sacramento Kings, casually shaking off his defender and draining a corner triple off an inbound pass. Sharpe made a major impact in just 16 minutes off the bench, scoring 12 points — shooting 3-for-3 on three-pointers — and adding two rebounds in a 115-108 win on October 19, 2022.

Shaedon Sharpe

The San Antonio Spurs have always gravitated toward unselfish offensive players who bring a gritty intensity to the defensive end. Jeremy Sochan fits the blueprint like a glove and is already fitting seamlessly into the Spurs’ system. With the ball in his hands, Sochan passes off to a teammate before dropping down into the post and immediately taking it back to deposit for an and-one opportunity at the rim. The rookie forward made a solid first impression, posting four points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals against the Charlotte Hornets on October 19, 2022.

Jeremy Sochan

Scottie Barnes is a problem. The Toronto Raptors rookie flashes his do-it-all talent in this possession, taking his defender off the dribble, getting to his spot inside the paint and floating a lefty finish that finds the bottom of the net. Barnes finished with 12 points and nine boards in his NBA debut in the October 20, 2021 contest.

Scottie Barnes

When the soft touch translates to the pro game, you’re in for a show! Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton floats home his first career bucket from just outside the paint. The first-year guard finished with 12 points and four assists in his NBA debut against the Denver Nuggets on December 23, 2020.

Tyrese Haliburton

The pressure of your first NBA bucket can be immense — especially when you’re the first overall pick. Detroit Pistons 2021 draftee Cade Cunningham catches a pass at the arc and immediately blows by his defender and through the lane to lay one in with his left. Detroit walked away with the win in the rookie’s NBA debut on October 30, 2021.

Cade Cunningham

In one of the first Moments to be selected by the community in Top Shot history, Evan Mobley shows off his multi-dimensional skill set, which has Cavs fans rightfully excited for the future. The 7-footer has a knack for finishing uncanny plays - Mobley makes a strong gather off a Darius Garland dish and hangs through contact to finish his first career and-one.

Evan Mobley

There’s a bright future for rookies with elite creativity on the court. In his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets, first-year guard Jalen Green sprints to catch a pass near the perimeter and continues toward the hoop as several defenders mark him. Meeting Minnesota Timberwolves star center Karl-Anthony Towns at the rim, Green goes up and under in midair for an acrobatic reverse layup - the first bucket of his career - on October 20, 2021.

Jalen Green

Taking it to the rack! Late in first quarter play, Philadelphia 76ers rookie point guard Tyrese Maxey glides to the rim and hits the layup off the glass for the first two points of his NBA career against the Washington Wizards on December 23, 2020.

Tyrese Maxey

Canadian sensation R.J. Barrett of the New York Knicks runs the break before breaking out the slick euro step for the easy bucket against the San Antonio Spurs on October 23, 2019.

RJ Barrett

Franz Wagner can throw it down, as proven early and often in his young career. The Orlando Magic rookie catches a pass outside the arc and battles his way to the cup for a thunderous one-handed slam. Wagner went for 12 points in his NBA debut on October 20, 2021.

Franz Wagner

Keep burying deep threes when the team calls your number and you’re in for a long stint in the NBA. Memphis Grizzlies rookie Desmond Bane drains the first bucket of his career against the San Antonio Spurs on December 23, 2020.

Desmond Bane

Leave a rookie wide open in the paint and that decision just might blow up in your face. Houston Rockets first-year big man Alperen Şengün follows a teammate’s high-flying three attempt and, unguarded, levitates to emphatically jam it home as it bounces off the rim. Şengün grabbed six boards to go along with 11 points in his NBA debut on October 20, 2021.

Alperen Şengün

You’ll never forget your first field goal in the NBA, so go ahead and make it as memorable as possible. Second-round draft pick Christian Koloko immediately showcases his hustle and court awareness for the Toronto Raptors, dutifully tracking teammate Pascal Siakam’s path to the basket and throwing down a monstrous putback dunk when the shot rims out. Koloko scored three points while adding six rebounds and a block in 15 energetic minutes off the bench in Toronto’s 108-105 opening-night win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19, 2022.

Christian Koloko

You’ll never forget the first bucket of your NBA career. MarJon Beauchamp earns his welcome to the league moment against the Houston Rockets, bringing the ball up the court, driving into the lane and converting a left-handed layup. The Milwaukee Bucks rookie guard and 24th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft needed just two minutes of game time to record his first points and walked away with a 125-105 Bucks victory on October 22, 2022.

MarJon Beauchamp

Bryce McGowens may have missed his only shot attempt in his first NBA game, but he made up for it with defense. Squaring off against the San Antonio Spurs in the first game of the season, the 40th overall pick thwarts a Spurs drive to the basket with a block and change of possession for his new squad. The first four minutes of McGowens’ NBA career were a successful first impression, as his first career block made an impact as the Charlotte Hornets won all four quarters in the runaway 129-102 victory on October 19, 2022.

Bryce McGowens

An electric package of athleticism and offense, Scoot Henderson is well-equipped to take the reins of the Portland Trail Blazers’ new backcourt. The No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft flashes a sign of the production to come with a quick-release – and borderline untouchable – floater for the first basket of his NBA career. Henderson finished his October 25, 2023 debut with 11 points and four assists.

Scoot Henderson

Expected to showcase the silky smooth offensive game and poise he showed off at Alabama eventually, Brandon Miller wasted little time answering the call as early as Day 1. Embroiled in a close game against a division rival, Miller fuels a strong Charlotte Hornets finish with an unguardable stepback triple in the fourth quarter. Miller’s contributions -- 13 points, including eight in the final frame -- were essential in his squad’s opening night victory on October 25, 2023.

Brandon Miller

If you’re planning to suit up for the San Antonio Spurs, you’d better know a thing or two about smart ball movement. Catching the Orlando Magic sleeping on defense, big man Jock Landale shows off his IQ and vision, dropping a nifty dime to a teammate on a backdoor cut in his debut game on October 20, 2021.

Jock Landale

Relentless on the glass and defensive end, Ausar Thompson didn’t waste time leaving an impression on his new ball club. Just minutes into his first regular season game with the Detroit Pistons, Thompson deflects a Tyler Herro shot attempt off the backboard. Thompson finished his debut contest on October 25, 2023 with four points, seven rebounds and five blocks.

Ausar Thompson

Keep draining it from a step behind the three-point line and you’ll have a long and prosperous career. Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard doesn’t hesitate to jack a deep triple against the Milwaukee Bucks in his first NBA contest on December 23, 2020.

Payton Pritchard

Crafty scorers put the ball in the basket, whatever it takes. Checked at the elbow in his first NBA contest, Jaime Jaquez Jr. gets his defender to bite with a pump fake, then lasers in on the cup and finishes the play with an acrobatic reverse layup. The first-year wing went a perfect 3-for-3 in his Miami Heat debut on October 25, 2023, adding two dimes and two steals in the process.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Freeze 'em with a simple ball fake. Washington Wizards rookie Corey Kispert creates a lane for himself after freezing the defense and glides to the hoop for his first points as an NBA player. Savvy move and smooth finish by the rook in his NBA debut on October 22, 2021.

Corey Kispert

Positioned to make an instant impact with the size and athleticism he brings to the Dallas Mavericks, it was Dereck Lively II’s motor down the stretch that shined in his debut. Embroiled in a tight, fourth-quarter battle between division rivals, Lively II battles for position on the glass with fellow rookie Victor Wembanyama, deflects the ball to a teammate, then loops back around to the hoop to throw down a putback slam off a miss. Lively II recorded a double-double in his first game as a pro, dropping 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting and added 10 boards in the October 25, 2023 win.

Dereck Lively II

Any time he sets foot on the court, Amen Thompson puts pressure on the defense. After running his own defender off a high screen beyond the arc, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft drives straight to the cup, catches a help-side defender off-guard and throws down a memorable first dunk. The Houston Rockets rookie finished the October 25, 2023 debut contest with eight points and five rebounds.

Amen Thompson

Look out below! Atlanta Hawks rookie Onyeka Okongwu leaps above a cluster of Utah Jazz defenders to throw down a putback off of an offensive rebound in his debut regular season contest on January 15, 2021. This won’t be the last time Okongwu turns heads with his ability to clean the glass.

Onyeka Okongwu

Watching that first NBA basket fall through the hoop is pretty high up on the list of dreams to achieve - nobody expects you to make your defender touch earth in the process. Sizing up a gap in the New Orleans Pelicans defense, Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski wastes no time capitalizing, attacking his man off the dribble, leaving him in the dust on a crossover, then euro stepping into a finger roll. Podziemski finished with five points and eight boards in his October 30, 2023 debut.

Brandin Podziemski

Lauded as an NBA three-point threat the minute his name was called in the draft, Gradey Dick commands respect beyond the arc. After shuffling into position behind the three-point line in a half-court set, Dick draws the attention of the defense and promptly kicks the ball back to a wide-open teammate for three. The dime – Dick’s first career assist – came in a Toronto Raptors victory on October 25, 2023.

Gradey Dick

Some players just have an extra gear. Houston Rockets rookie Jae’Sean Tate handles a give-and-go pass on the perimeter then barrels toward the hoop for a contested layup on December 26, 2020. Tate scored 13 points in his first official taste of NBA action.

Jae'Sean Tate

Keep active on the glass to make an impact at the NBA level. Brooklyn Nets rookie Reggie Perry battles for an offensive board against the Golden State Warriors then buries the first bucket of his career in his December 22, 2020 debut.

Reggie Perry

Though touted for his elite on-ball defense, it didn’t take long for the unacquainted to learn there’s much more to Cason Wallace. Working off of a screen from fellow rookie Chet Holmgren, Wallace seizes an opportunity to create space from his defender and pull up for a jumper. Wallace didn’t miss in his October 25, 2023 debut, shooting 5-for-5 in a lopsided Oklahoma City Thunder victory.

Cason Wallace

Test Bilal Coulibaly’s defensive range if you want but it’s not recommended. Keeping track of his own check over the course of an Indiana Pacers possession, Coulibaly catches his man in the middle of a backdoor cut, then trails the attempt and spikes it out of bounds. It was one of three blocks in the October 25, 2023 debut for the Washington Wizards rookie, who also chipped in three points, four boards and three assists.

Bilal Coulibaly

As comfortable scoring the ball as ever, Marcus Sasser didn’t wait long into his Detroit Pistons career to bury his first deep three. Afforded space beyond the arc when his defender ducks under a screen, Sasser cues up and fires from two feet behind the line. Sasser, every bit of the scoring spark plug he figured to be ahead of the season, finished his October 25, 2023 debut with eight points in 10 minutes of action.

Marcus Sasser

Josh Minott waited his entire life to play in an NBA game, so a late-November debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves paled in comparison. The 45th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft made the most of his first five professional minutes against the Washington Wizards, with his first career field goal coming on a put-back dunk of Wendell Moore Jr.’s missed jumper right before the fourth quarter buzzer. Minott was perfect from the field and foul line en route to five points, three rebounds, an assist and a block on November 28, 2022.

Josh Minott

Built to handle the metaphorical "chess matches" and mental games of the professional level immediately upon arrival, Dalton Knecht needed just one regular-season game to confirm the somewhat already-known. The nickname may be “Knecht Four,” but, given a little space, the Los Angeles Lakers will gladly take the challenge of also connecting for three. A relative splitting image of his new head coach upon pairing his teammate’s screen with a perfectly-timed float towards the top of the arc, the No. 17 pick cashes in on a wide-open catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, capturing his first-ever NBA points. Immediate in leaving analysts to wonder if opposing GMs might regret allowing him to slide, Knecht, in a well-used 16 minutes of action, turned in five points (on two-of-four shooting), one rebound, two assists, one steal, and one trifecta. Knecht’s efforts were accompanied by good fortunes, as the Lakers overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves’ pesky play for a season-opening win on October 22, 2024.

Dalton Knecht

With size and vision to wreak havoc with the ball in their hands, big guards like Anthony Black thrive in the two-man game. Capitalizing on a gap created by a teammate’s quick screen, Black lunges into the paint and opts to call his own shot, canning a runner while absorbing contact for an and-1 opportunity. Black scored five points and added two blocks in his Orlando Magic debut on October 25, 2023.

Anthony Black

As he battled the Utah Jazz, foul trouble, and every obstacle threatening to make the success of his NBA regular-season debut short-lived, Zach Edey, predictably, handled the task through one word: size. A once-unguardable presence during his Boilermaker reign, the 2024 No. 9 tests said traits on the professional scene, initially through a high screen-and-roll alongside his electrifying, All-Star floor general. Finding the benefits of his paint-clearing boxout working neatly in his favor, Edey positions himself to reel in his teammate’s miss, redirecting the soft bounce back towards the rim and through for an and-one finish. Efficiency was the name of the game in Edey’s opening chapter, as the 7-foot-4, 305-pound talent accumulated five points (on two-of-four shooting) —  plus numerous others through screen assists — accompanied by five rebounds during a 15-minute cameo. Seeing the value of every NBA bucket, no matter how seemingly-miniscule, Edey’s efforts ultimately helped the Memphis Grizzlies survive for a two-point, season-opening triumph on October 23, 2024.

Zach Edey

There are few places on the basketball court beyond the reach of Jarace Walker. NBA ball carriers are about to learn that the hard way. Patiently trailing a transition attempt, the Indiana Pacers forward stalks his opponent before lunging out with a 7-foot-3 wingspan to knock the ball loose and generate a scoring opportunity for his own squad the other way. In addition to the steal in his first NBA contest on October 25, 2023, Walker hauled in four rebounds.

Jarace Walker

Confident shooters aren’t afraid to let it fly. After hauling in a rebound on one end of the floor in his NBA debut, Portland Trail Blazers rookie Toumani Camara trails his team down the court, shuffles into position beyond the arc and buries a wide-open lefty triple. Camara finished with seven points, two rebounds and a block in his first game on October 25, 2023.

Toumani Camara

Good things happen when rookies hit their marks and make the right plays. Suiting up in his first NBA contest, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino executes a halfcourt set with teammates, draws the attention of multiple defenders, then fires an assist in the opposite direction to D’Moi Hodge. The No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft recorded a pair of dimes in the November 27, 2023 matchup.

Jalen Hood-Schifino

Sasha Vezenkov is a threat from beyond the arc and he knows it - soon the rest of the league will, too. Spacing the floor in his first NBA contest, the 28-year-old Sacramento Kings rookie gets an opportunity, clears space with a ball fake then pulls up from deep. Vezenkov finished the October 25, 2023 contest with eight points, two rebounds and two steals.

Sasha Vezenkov

Anything but starstruck, even with both the Philadelphia 76ers’ blue-colored stars at his uniform’s side, and an eight-time All-Star blocking his path, Jared McCain shined as brightly as one reasonably could during a four-minute NBA debut. Veteran-like in his ability to use Damian Lillard’s defensive leverage against him —  and intuitively turn to a switch-hand dribble to prevent a potential reacharound steal — McCain balances himself at the free throw area with only the long-limbed Brook Lopez blocking his path. Trusting a shot that often served him well as a Blue Devil, McCain calmly collects bucket No. 1 of his NBA career on a smooth midrange pull-up. A shorthanded rotation would ultimately lead to a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23, 2024. Fearless in high-leverage matchups on both ends of the floor nonetheless, the 76ers’ 2024 No. 16 selection maximized his time, producing four points (on two-of-three shooting) alongside two rebounds.

Jared McCain

Calm, collected and unusually experienced for a rookie, Vasilije Micić provides instant impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The inbounder in a baseline out-of-bounds play, Micić executes the play to script, resulting in a wide-open triple for his first NBA points. The 29-year-old drained his only attempt and added an assist in the October 27, 2023 victory.

Vasilije Micić

Broken plays happen, capitalizing on the chaos is a skill. Unfazed after a defender gets his hand on a pass, Milwaukee Bucks rookie Andre Jackson Jr. returns the favor with an interception of his own, then finds a teammate in the corner for the first assist of his NBA career. Jackson Jr. also racked up four rebounds in the October 29, 2023 matchup.

Andre Jackson Jr.

Given that he only required a single season to stamp his name through college basketball’s title-winning history books, it likely comes as no surprise that Stephon Castle’s unrushed style, fittingly, reaped immediate benefits on the professional stage. Face-to-face with one of NBA history’s great pull-up scoring artists, Castle paints a picture of his own, using a spicy-enough crossover and pick-and-roll rejection to leave Kyrie Irving rearview-bound, clearing his path for a step-up bucket. Vision, creativity, and the ability to think the game a few steps ahead, were among Castle’s standout attributes, even during the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to their Texas-residing rivals on October 24, 2024. Confirming the reason for his ovation upon being selected at No. 4, Castle took to Opening Night’s stage with eight points, three rebounds, and five assists, filling the box score against the Dallas Mavericks during an 18-minute cameo.

Stephon Castle

Inevitably bound to receive a “Welcome to the NBA” moment at some point with the defending-champion Boston Celtics in town, Alex Sarr decided that before such an occasion could arrive, any introductions would come solely on his own terms. Intuitive in his decision-making as a help defender, the 2024 NBA Draft’s No. 2 selection sneaks through the lane — or about as sneakily as one could at 7-foot — sensing his teammate’s need for assistance against Jrue Holiday’s post-up. Producing the type of play the six-time All-Defensive Teamer likely respected, Sarr elevates skyward, authoritatively sending the layup attempt ricocheting off the glass before sequencing it with a fortuitous, yet well-timed crash and putback flush. The two-way highlight, particularly defensively, underscored Sarr’s future impact, as the Washington Wizards’ new center-forward opened his career with three consecutive multi-block games, the NBA’s first rookie since 2016 to do so. Flashing redeemable traits during October 24, 2024’s loss, Sarr compiled two points, five rebounds, one assist, two rejections, and a game-high nine contested shots.

Alexandre Sarr

Only a half-year removed from trimming down the nets in celebration of his title-winning run on the collegiate stage, Donovan Clingan found that his next on-court milestone would poetically arrive at roughly the same location. Nimble in running the floor during what had rapidly become a back-and-forth track meet, the 7-foot-2 center speeds through the heart of the paint, joining his teammates in putting immediate pressure on the Golden State Warriors’ transition defense. Somehow hidden in plain sight as his teammates prescribe the pass-heavy Warriors a taste of its own medicine, Clingan —  following his teammate’s double team draw — offers the finishing touch, gently floating in a layup for his NBA career’s inaugural basket. Showing glimpses of his at-the-rim potential on both ends, Clingan, even during the Portland Trail Blazers’ home-opening loss on October 23, 2024, contributed to the statistical ledger with two points (on one-of-two), two rebounds, a steal, and a block on October 23, 2024.

Donovan Clingan

As the 82-game marathon and search for the perfect combinations begins, the Atlanta Hawks — during the league’s Opening Week — unearthed one connection that they could get quite used to: 2024’s No. 1 pick and the NBA’s No. 1-ranked passer. Approximately 12 seconds into his check-in with a fired-up State Farm Arena cheerfully awaiting his every move, Zaccharie Risacher hustles the open floor, ensuring his All-Star floor general of much-needed coverage in transition. Unlikely to have shaken completely free of the nerves associated with his professional career’s first-ever regular-season game, Risacher rises nonetheless, turning a catch-and-shoot opportunity into a celebratory occasion. The talented Spaniard, as he did throughout both the preseason and Summer League, flashed both creativity and productivity during October 23, 2024’s milestone showdown against the Brooklyn Nets. Victorious, and adding to his sure-to-evolve highlight reel at once during the season-opener, Risacher turned in seven points, one rebound, and one 3-pointer in 19 reserve minutes.

Zaccharie Risacher

Making an impact starts with making the right basketball decisions night in and night out. Facing an opportunity in his NBA debut, Orlando Magic rookie Jett Howard swings the basketball into the corner for his first career assist. Howard, the son of 19-year veteran Juwan Howard, officially arrived as a second generation hooper on October 25, 2023.

Jett Howard

Undrafted and initially unknown, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. bursts onto the scene in this game and records his first career assist. The Cavaliers went on to lose this matchup against the Indiana Pacers on October 28th, 2023.

Craig Porter Jr.

As must-see and productive as any across the NBA’s 2K25 Summer League environment, Reed Sheppard confirmed on October 23, 2024 that, although the seasons may change, a bucket-getter’s craftiness certainly doesn’t. Meeting the competitive eye of LaMelo Ball — already solidified as one of the Association’s most innovative offensive talents — Sheppard matches the high-profile head-to-head with creativity of his own through the help of a screen-and-roll. Escaping Seth Curry’s potential help with a calmed switch-hand dribble and maneuver towards the floor's middle, Sheppard clears his path for an uncontested, through-the-lane jumper, checking off his first-ever NBA bucket. The 2024 No. 3 pick rewarded his coaches’ trust with a serviceable first showing, even given the Charlotte Hornets’ come-from-behind victory over his Houston Rockets to open regular-season play. Across 16 minutes, the shifty floor general contributed to the statistical sheets in numerous ways, turning in four points (on two-of-five shooting), two rebounds, three assists, and one blocked shot.

Reed Sheppard

Five months before they would win their first NBA title, Aaron Gordon and the Denver Nuggets were already exhibiting peak cohesion. With the ball in his hands, Nikola Jokić crossed halfcourt and lofted a pass in the post to Gordon who immediately wrapped a behind-the-back dish back to the Joker for a contested layup over Bismack Biyombo. Gordon made all four of his field goals for 12 points to go with two assists as the Nuggets secured a 126-97 runaway victory over the Phoenix Suns on January 11, 2023.

Aaron Gordon

In scorching the G League’s competition on the way to this season’s second-highest scoring average, Javon Freeman-Liberty’s bucket-getting abilities ensured that it was only a matter of “when” he’d hear his name over the NBA’s loudspeakers. Given the chance to accomplish the inevitable after a pindown, pick-and-roll combination opens a reasonable path for a right-side drive, the smooth-scoring guard attacks with vigor, hanging an acrobatic layup over the outstretched arms of a Miami Heat defender. Undeterred after the shot misses, Freeman-Liberty corrals the rebound in one motion before tossing in his first-ever NBA score. Among the many highlights of the Toronto Raptors’ wire-to-wire win on January 17, 2024, Freeman-Liberty added two points and a rebound in just two minutes of play.

Javon Freeman-Liberty

Likely unable to request a more difficult test upon arriving to the big leagues if he tried, Carlton Carrington’s NBA entry involved overcoming a title-holding, top-ranked Boston Celtics defense known for pulling up one’s weaknesses and turning them into advantages. Relying on what worked at such an elite rate during his one-year run as a Panther, Carrington let it silently be known that he, too, had a pull-up of his own. Back for his second-check in of the opening quarter already, Carrington intelligently races towards midcourt, making himself available as an outlet for a teammate caught in Boston’s halfcourt trap. Decisive in hunting out uncovered pull-up two-pointer territory —  where he shot a sizzling 50.9 percent at the collegiate level — the No. 14 pick calmly balances into a midrange bucket, stamping his first bucket through the franchise's history books. In the Washington Wizards’ loss on October 24, 2024, the man known as “Bub” showed some of everything, recording three points, two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Carlton Carrington

The first chapter of Matas Buzelis’ NBA career may not have included a score, but through some resourcefulness, the Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 pick discovered a way to showcase accuracy and offensive confidence nonetheless. Positioning himself to collect his teammate’s much-needed outlet pass, Buzelis, following a brief contemplation, decides to swing a pass to the Chicago Bulls’ top scoring threat. Heeding his teammate’s request of a ghost screen that slows Herb Jones’ defense ambition just slightly, Buzelis reaps the benefits, recording his professional career’s first assist. Checking the celebratory first-ever bucket from the milestone list just two nights later, Buzelis kept himself reasonably busy during the regular season’s opening week. In a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23, 2024, the Chicago-born swingman tallied two rebounds, one assist, and a +8 plus-minus in five minutes time.

Matas Buzelis

The “white flag” might’ve been officially waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they introduced reserves and shifted aspirations of victory to a different day. But, anyone with a pulse on Rob Dillingham’s offensive style knew it: even with three minutes remaining in November 2, 2024’s game, the creation of highlight reel-worthy plays was far from finished. Appetizing just a brief glimpse of his blur-quick handle, the No. 8 pick maneuvers the San Antonio Spurs’ defense with a convincing middle-of-the-floor drive before ascending, ultimately drawing enough attention to execute a successful drive-and-kick 3-pointer to a teammate. Dillingham — the final 2024 NBA Draft lottery selection to make his regular-season debut — packed a few highlights into a battle against the team that originally drafted him. In three minutes, he doled out two assists alongside a +4 plus-minus, with a memorable first-ever NBA bucket arriving just a few nights later.

Rob Dillingham

Patient and under control in his first NBA shift, Jalen Pickett reads exactly what the defense gives him for his first career basket. Checked at half court by an eager defender, Pickett methodically navigates around the pressure before finding himself wide-open for an elbow jumper. Pickett’s hoop put the finishing touch on the Denver Nuggets’ season opening victory on October 24, 2023.

Jalen Pickett

Although he may be a long way from home as the Association’s only current Brazilian-born player, Gui Santos’ method of choice for his first-ever NBA bucket was anything but foreign. Eyeballing the chance at a milestone score, the Golden State Warriors swingman, fittingly, waits for the defense to avert its eyes before slipping into a cunning backdoor cut. Free to retrieve his teammate’s no-look dime, Santos works established chemistry with one of his trusted Summer League go-tos, finishing a rookie-to-rookie connection with a right-handed reverse layup off the glass. Smooth and intuitive in his style, Santos has both proven to be a seamless fit in the Warriors’ pass-happy offense, while also extending the franchise’s lineage of Brazilian talent. In the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 16, 2023, the former second-rounder needed just three minutes to tally up two points, three rebounds, and one assist.

Gui Santos

Miraculously the second rookie from his class to amass the 100-point plateau despite being selected No. 43 overall, Jaylen Wells has confirmed one thing in 2024-25: there might’ve been a delay on NBA Draft night, but that’s where the wait stopped. Veteran-esque in rising to the occasion of his first-ever regular-season showcase, Wells, 25 seconds into his check-in, takes advantage of the Utah Jazz’s focus on his All-NBA teammate, cashing in on a spot-up 3-pointer. A standout sniper during the preseason exhibitions, Wells immediately picked up where he left off, pouring in a six-points-in-six-minutes sequence during the game’s opening quarter. Such plays proved vital in the Memphis Grizzlies’ intriguing two-point victory on October 28, 2024, as they won both the 3-point and second-unit scoring battle. In his role, Wells contributed a six-point, one-assist, one-steal, two-triple tally, alongside a +10 plus-minus in a bench-leading 23 minutes.

Jaylen Wells

Second-round picks don’t often become a consistent part of the rotation in Year One, but for Jalen Wilson, his versatility, urgency, and penchant for winning plays have made him an exception to the rule. Deemed a potential “steal” at No. 51 in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wilson opts for a different type of defensive statistic against the Miami Heat, hustling back on defense before halting the Miami Heat’s layup attempt with a well-timed block. The former collegiate national champion wasn’t one to mince time making an impact during his first week. Having a literal hand in the shorthanded Brooklyn Nets’ victory on November 1, 2023, Wilson chalked up one rebound and one block in five minutes of play.

Jalen Wilson

Long before his regular-season debut in the Charlotte Hornets’ colors had arrived, Tidjane Salaün — both verbally, and through an impressive highlight tape — offered insights on what his playstyle would ultimately include: 100 percent energy, and therefore, an always-amped home crowd. A single minute into his NBA introduction, the No. 6 pick got to work on a first-time example, clogging up the Miami Heat’s middle-of-the-floor cut with enough intensity to prompt both a steal and a breakaway opportunity. Determined to parlay his defensive play with a just-as-fruitful offensive result, Salaün briefly showcases his open-floor comfort, setting up a drive-and-kick that, after a miss and subsequent retry, ends in a 3-point make. The versatile Frenchman helped Charlotte present their Southeast Division foes with a formidable challenge, even in defeat on October 26, 2024. With more versatile box score contributions to arrive soon after, Salaün’s debut encouraged a one-rebound, one-steal, eight-minute beginning.

Tidjane Salaün

Get on the court and find a way to make an impact. Suiting up in his first NBA contest, Dariq Whitehead eyes up a drive attempt while manning his own section of a zone, then shuffles over to a cutter and rejects an easy bucket. Whitehead and the Brooklyn Nets rolled to a victory on November 25, 2023.

Dariq Whitehead

Known more for his tendency to rain down 3-pointers during his one-year run as a Hurricane, Kyshawn George, even, couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of his first pour into the NBA’s statistical column on October 24, 2024. Discovering the needed creativity to outsmart the always-connected Boston Celtics defense, the 2024 No. 24 pick counters their switch-everything approach with tireless movement, ultimately finding a backdoor crevice following a sideline out-of-bounds play. Explosive in taking full advantage of his one-step advantage on Neemias Queta, George elevates, checking off the milestone through a powerful two-handed flush. The Washington Wizards were unable to overcome the sizzling shooting and teamwork of the defending-champions, though George left himself as a bright spot nonetheless. Setting the groundwork for a productive, high-scoring few weeks to follow, George contributed four points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal across a memorable 20-minute debut.

Kyshawn George

With an impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan and intriguing defensive versatility, Mouhamed Gueye is well-equipped to make the most of his early NBA action. Monitoring a rival ball carrier while simultaneously denying a kickout pass to the corner, Gueye flashes over to disrupt a drive attempt and force a turnover in an Atlanta Hawks victory on October 29, 2023.

Mouhamed Gueye

Slow, but certainly sure in their process of collecting the pieces needed to potentially return to their glory days, the Detroit Pistons had their pick of nearly anyone as they, for a third-consecutive season, selected from the NBA Draft’s No. 5 spot. Should they have been in search of a player capable of putting the “motor” in “Motor City,” they couldn’t have done much better than Ron Holland II. Compensating for his misfired 3-point attempt with immediate hustle thereafter, Holland enters a floor-bound, four-player fray in the paint, ultimately positioning himself for both a putback and his NBA career’s first-ever bucket. Prompt in getting to work, Holland’s second-effort play arrived just 24 seconds into check-in, immediately helping the Pistons set the tone of competitive play, even in a six-point loss to the Indiana Pacers. Holland packed considerable production into his 15-minute cameo, recording six points, three rebounds, and two steals on October 23, 2024.

Ronald Holland II

Rostering the NBA’s second-most veteran-heavy team, the Phoenix Suns, despite its reasonable reputation as a title contender, certainly understood the importance of striking gold in some way during the 2024 NBA Draft. As evidenced by the efforts of their newly-traded-for No. 28 pick, that hunt for excellence certainly appears to be a mutual one. Entrusted with could-be make-or-break minutes during a tightly-contested third quarter, Ryan Dunn rewards the Suns’ faith immediately, hustling back in defensive transition amidst favorable three-on-two odds. Soaring in unnoticed after his teammate forces enough of an adjustment on Kevin Porter Jr.’s layup, Dunn swats the attempt away vigorously, all the while tracking down his own rebound. Defying some pre-Draft concerns, Dunn — looking every bit the part of a potential 3-and-D specialist over his first month — recorded a two-point, two-rebound, one-assist, one-block debut on October 23, 2024. Every play, particularly given the three-point, overtime result, proved crucial in helping Phoenix overcome the L.A. Clippers for a season-opening win.

Ryan Dunn

From his distinctive rookie deal to his spot in the NBA Draft, the 2023-24 season has already proven to be a memorable one for Chris Livingston. Presented with the opportunity to continue checking milestones off at a breakneck pace, the No. 58 selection takes advantage of a rookie-to-rookie connection with his teammate, easing his way into a spot-up 3-pointer from the left corner, the first of his NBA career. Unwilling to keep the suspense going for long, the Milwaukee Bucks rookie was able to cross the historic bucket off of his list during the NBA season’s first week. Active in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on November 1, 2023, Livingston maximized his chances on a point-per-minute basis, recording five points in just five minutes, alongside one assist and a perfect two of two from the field.

Chris Livingston

On the scale of 1-to-10, with 10 symbolizing fearlessness in a rookie’s NBA regular-season debut, it could be said that Jonathan Mogbo — given his first-ever shot attempt — tilted the relative scales entirely. Eager to follow the path set before him in making a strong first impression in front of the Toronto Raptors’ faithful, the No. 31 pick sets up camp on the left 3-point wing amidst a teammate’s drive-and-kick. Giving seemingly no thought to the fact that he only attempted two 3-pointers during his two-year collegiate run, Mogbo leaves it appearing as a best-kept secret, calmly connecting for a memorable first-time NBA bucket. Such ambition helped Mogbo put forth a productive entry in Toronto’s history books, even in a defeat to the soon-to-be-juggernaut Cleveland Cavaliers. Leaving impact behind on both sides, Mogbo recorded seven points (on two-of-four shooting), alongside one steal and a 3-pointer on October 23, 2024.

Jonathan Mogbo

Time may have run out on the Utah Jazz’s victory chances against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 7, 2024. Yet, in his NBA career’s opening saga, Isaiah Collier found that the game’s final minute represented more than enough time to exemplify what his coach called, a decision-making ability that “probably exceeds his age.” Speeding towards the Bucks’ midcourt logo, the talented two-way guard positions himself for a late-game possession, and — with a decisive enough move — the opportunity at a first-ever introduction to the box score. Unselfish in keeping the ball moving for Utah’s offense, Collier finds a teammate for a catch-and-shoot triple, capturing the first of many assists to come. 2024’s No. 29 selection would offer more versatile box score tallies over the ensuing weeks, but in Chapter One, Collier contributed one assist, one deflection, and one contested shot during a four-minute debut.

Isaiah Collier

Normally the player putting other defenders on his rapidly-growing around-the-rim highlight reel as an offensive threat, Ariel Hukporti decided that during the NBA’s Opening Night, his first regular-season impression would arrive on the opposite end. Taking a temporary break from throwing down hammers, Hukporti, keeping his head on a swivel upon navigating through the Boston Celtics’ well-timed pair of screens, hustles to cover ground with Payton Pritchard already a beat ahead in the race to the rim. Displaying both ambition and a 7-foot-2 wingspan — the 11th-largest in the 2024 NBA Draft — the No. 58 pick pins the layup attempt against the glass for a highlight rejection. The New York Knicks would fall in a road season opener, though the German forward provided noteworthy contributions nonetheless. Taking advantage of his six-minute cameo in New York’s normally-tight rotation, Hukporti registered a four-rebound, one-block outing, alongside a +9 plus-minus on October 22, 2024.

Ariel Hukporti

Documented already through high-IQ, second effort plays on Arizona’s high school basketball circuit, Oso Ighodaro found that following suit in a Phoenix Suns uniform was merely second nature. Looking the part despite sharing the floor with numerous longtime NBA veterans, 2024’s No. 40 pick steadies himself for a standout sequence, first seeking to free his All-Star guard through a screen and re-screen in the second period. Well-positioned to retrieve a rebound after the ball recoils his way, Ighodaro eventually showcases his own creation skills, parlaying Ivica Zubac’s conservative, faraway defense into a go-to soft-touch floater for his first-ever NBA points. Ighodaro’s contributions proved noteworthy, particularly given the Suns’ narrow overtime victory over the L.A. Clippers on October 23, 2024. Playing his role to a relative tee, the skilled forward turned in two points (on a perfect one-of-one), six rebounds, and one block across 12 minutes.

Oso Ighodaro

Brainstorming through ways in which they might offset the loss of a pair of game-breaking All-Star talents during 2024-25’s season opener, the Philadelphia 76ers —  as evidenced through 17 offensive rebounds — selected hustle as their preferred method. Undeterred in that approach as the game’s outcome slipped away, Philadelphia found that even as they emptied their bench, their brand-new talent was prepared to contribute in that same manner. Checking in for his NBA debut at the two-and-a-half-minute mark, 2024 No. 41 pick Adem Bona produced one of the night’s many examples, first through a familiar pick-and-roll setting, presenting the threat of his much-discussed athleticism and lob-catching potential. Effective nonetheless after his teammate’s contested layup goes awry, Bona clocks in for cleanup duty, using his 7-foot-4 wingspan to hunt down a putback opportunity for his career’s first-ever score. Taking inspiration from the former rebounding champion that he replaced, the Nigerian big offered a two-point, one-rebound effort on one-of-one shooting in three minutes during a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23, 2024.

Adem Bona

Often describing himself as a player who learned dribbling before anything else, Brandon Boston Jr. found said handle quite useful against both Orlando’s top-ranked defense, and the pressures of surviving New Orleans’ rotation just weeks after being signed. Making considerable use of his increased opportunity, Boston flashes his creation skills by countering Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s hounding resistance with a slippery behind-the-back, between-the-leg combination, testing the long-respected defender’s footspeed. Muting noticeably-celebratory chants and claps along the Orlando Magic’s sidelines after Caldwell-Pope stays closely attached, Boston breaks out a deceptive stepback before connecting on a well-earned long 2-pointer. The New Orleans Pelicans’ newly-acquired talent likened 2024-25’s early-season start to “a movie,” and, even in defeat, he played the role of co-star in his fifth-consecutive game with at least 14 points. In his highest-scoring game since 2021, Boston tallied 26 points (on 10-of-17 shooting), six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers on November 8, 2024.

Brandon Boston Jr.

The basketball world should’ve perhaps considered itself warned when Deni Avdija popped up on 2023-24’s Most Improved Player of the Year balloting with a sixth-place finish. Though, as the Toronto Raptors learned on March 16, 2025, the ascension of the Portland Trail Blazers’ new star — both literally and statistically — still had higher depths to reach. Fresh-legged during a time in which many wouldn’t be, Avdija readies himself for a switch-inviting ball screen, ultimately working into a gliding gather move before Jamison Battle’s defensive stance can even process a response. Sprung through the air with a purpose, Avdija puts Orlando Robinson Jr.’s 7-foot frame on a poster through a two-handed flush, bringing the Moda Center to life in the game’s final minutes. Epitomizing efficiency, Avdija matched his victory-securing clutch gene with a 19-point box score (on just eight shots), supported by six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and healthy marks from deep (three-of-six) and from the foul line (eight-of-nine).

Deni Avdija

Every eyeball in Kaseya Center might’ve been glued to Jalen Brunson’s whereabouts along the high-post, but through one quite-ironic no-look dime, New York’s floor general confirmed the ones behind his head to be the only ones that truly mattered. Like a worm attached to the end of a fishing pole, Brunson leverages the Miami Heat’s fear of his potential middle-of-the-floor double-drag screen advantageously, setting bait with each additional back-to-basket step against Haywood Highsmith’s high-post resistance. Soon successful in lulling Miami’s defense to sleep, Brunson finally pulls the trigger, unleashing a behind-the-back dime to a teammate for a deficit-cutting sequence. Brunson’s command of the floor proved vital on March 2, 2025, as the New York Knicks — given just a 4.0 percent chance of winning with seven minutes remaining — found victory after a 19-point deficit. Rightfully earning the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week nod just hours later, Brunson was best described as unstoppable, erupting for 31 points (10 in the fourth), alongside five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers.

Jalen Brunson

On a league-high 723 occasions, Trae Young has found a teammate for a score, creating a highlight or two through statistically-unrivaled vision. It could be argued that on March 4, 2025 — in a tightly-contested fourth quarter that would’ve left any mistake magnified — the Atlanta Hawks’ All-Star guard outdid even himself. Surveying the open floor immediately after retrieving the basketball, “Ice Trae” feasts eyes on a leaking teammate, presenting the opportunity at a pass of both high-risk and high-reward. In full trust of his abilities, Young slingshots a rainbow beyond the reach of three different Milwaukee Bucks defenders, ultimately hitting his newly-acquired swingman in stride for the ultimate thread-of-the-needle find. The Milwaukee Bucks’ superior late-game execution allowed them to deal Atlanta a loss, but Young, as he often does, stood among the showstoppers. Elite in putting 40 double-doubles on his 2024-25 game log, the do-it-all point guard added one here, collecting 28 points, 13 assists, one steal, and a 3-pointer in 35 minutes of play.

Trae Young

Causes for celebration ran aplenty inside Delta Center, particularly after a series of missed free throws by the New Orleans Pelicans secured free chicken for 18,175 in attendance. Any cheering, though, would ultimately be limited to just 10 seconds, given the fact that CJ McCollum had something special of his own cooking through a feathery 3-point touch. A nightmare, once upon a time, for misfortuned teams in the Northwest Division, McCollum reminded Salt Lake City of his blink-of-an-eye scoring ability, first through a wide-open corner trifecta, prompting a late-game tie. Spurring what became a personal 9-0 run — and ultimately a 15-0 takeoff as a team — New Orleans’ dynamite scorer swished through a pair of additional 3-pointers, the first on a pick-and-roll pull-up, and the second on a top-of-the-key rainbow over Keyonte George. Long stamped in his reputation as a crunchtime bucket-getter, McCollum sparked a high-scoring win on March 2, 2025, rattling off 25 points (on 10-of-18), alongside three rebounds, eight assists, one block, and five triples.

CJ McCollum

For all of the adjustments the Minnesota Timberwolves have been forced into after accepting a seismic, franchise-altering trade in early-October, one aspect has remained almost the same: the ability to clamp down defensively. Among the many constants helping make that happen, Nickeil Alexander-Walker squares into a defensive stance against Nick Smith Jr., ultimately using a deflection to send the basketball flying towards the floor’s opposite side. Soon successful in his trackdown, Minnesota’s gifted six-year swingman incorporates a second highlight, hitting a teammate in stride for a score with a behind-the-back dime. Above league average in their ability to turn turnovers into points, the Timberwolves certainly had defense-to-offense sequences in mind on March 5, 2025, as they recorded 18 points off turnovers during a double-digit win. Supplying intangibles and “winning plays” throughout, Alexander-Walker produced a three-point, four-rebound, three-assist, two-steal, one-block, one-triple effort, as Minnesota moved to six games above .500.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

From the bright-red sneakers that he strolled through Kia Center in, to the audacious confidence of his first-ever NBA jumpshot, Damion Baugh left behind multiple signs that his professional debut would be anything but average. Veteran-like in his lane-filling run down the floor, Baugh eventually finds himself unguarded along the right 3-point corner with a teammate unselfishly eyeing an opportunity to feed him. Shooting first and asking questions later, Baugh elevates into a silky-smooth triple before Paolo Banchero can imitate a contest, introducing himself to the Charlotte Hornets’ regular-season scene in style. The Orlando Magic, living up to their status as 11.5-point favorites, ultimately found their way, dealing Charlotte a loss on February 12, 2025. Baugh, though, bordered on sensational in his first cameo, collecting 16 points (on five-of-eight shooting), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers, setting the stage for a six-of-seven shooting encore just a week later.

Damion Baugh

At 7-foot-3, and with the on-court IQ and athleticism to match, Bol Bol is unlikely to ever come face-to-face with a defense he can’t see over the top of. On February 8, 2025, though, the Phoenix Suns’ must-see forward elected to take his vision and processing of the game to an entirely different level. Initially camped along the floor’s weak side with the play clock — and a well-connected Denver Nuggets defense — quickly becoming the enemy, Bol Bol pieces the puzzle together, using a convincing drive to disposition both Jalen Pickett and Zeke Nnaji. Clever in his method of hitting a now-uncovered teammate, Bol works a behind-the-back dime through traffic, keeping first quarter fireworks flying through a highlight 3-point assist. A proven stat sheet stuffer when given the requisite opportunities, Bol, even in defeat, kickstarted a soon-to-be-memorable February by piecing together 19 points (on 8-of-17 shooting), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, four swats, and three 3-pointers.

Bol Bol

Strict in his shot diet, with 30 of his 39 shot attempts arriving from long range after the calendar flip, Grayson Allen found that a “cheat day” was well worth it on January 11, 2025. Wisely run off the 3-point line by Patty Mills, the Phoenix Suns’ sniper tests both his versatility and verticality with fellow ex-Blue Devil Kyle Filipowski hoping to plant a red stop sign inside Phoenix’s orange paint. Embodying a “new year, new me” mentality, Allen gets creative against the 6-foot-11 big, working an acrobatic, across-the-rim scoop shot through to add a must-see clip to his career highlight reel. Such plays helped the Suns maintain control in a competitive, yet wire-to-wire win over the Utah Jazz, as they ironed out lineup and chemistry kinks. Business as usual, Allen offered his deposit through 14 points (on 5-of-11 shooting), accompanied by four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and four 3-pointers.

Grayson Allen

The Knicks thought they had it won. Up 17 in the fourth quarter. The home crowd on its feet. But Tyrese Haliburton had other plans. After helping engineer one of the wildest playoff comebacks of the season, Haliburton caps it off with a cold-blooded step-in jumper from just inside the arc as time expires—tying Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and forcing overtime. As the ball drops through the net, Haliburton turns toward the crowd and delivers a ruthless "choke" taunt, silencing Madison Square Garden and punctuating a 33-point, 11-assist masterclass. Indiana rides the wave into OT and steals the series opener on the road.

Avid hoops watchers were already aware of Guerschon Yabusele’s many ways of impacting a game, but with two nationally-televised primetime games over a three-night stretch, Philadelphia’s combo forward decided to ramp things up a notch. Comfortably ahead by 20, and roughly one well-executed quarter away from sending a message against the NBA’s defending champions, Yabusele stays urgent, overwhelming the Boston Celtics’ defense by slipping behind after a pick-and-roll. Down to one final task of surviving Derrick White’s rim contest, Yabusele pairs a head of steam with a four-inch, 70-pound size advantage, barreling downhill for a rim-shaking contact flush. The Celtics would command the last laugh, using a 26-point comeback to foil the Philadelphia 76ers’ plans. Yabusele, though, added another chapter to his own comeback-type story, following up his 28-point showcase with 21 points (on 8-of-13 shooting), alongside six rebounds and two trifectas on February 2, 2025.

Guerschon Yabusele

The win column doesn’t reflect the Charlotte Hornets’ growth and progression just yet, but for everything they’ve lacked in the Eastern Conference standings, they’ve certainly compensated for in highlight reel creation. One of many talents capable of showcasing Charlotte’s occasionally must-see appeal, Nick Smith survives the land of the giants, boxing out Mason Plumlee’s 6-foot-10 frame for a rebound before eyeballing the floor for a could-be outlet. Finding something of intrigue before even crossing the Hornets’ midcourt logo, Smith dials up a long-distance connection, linking with a teammate for a pinpoint alley-oop lob and jam, propelling the Hornets’ late-game lead to a dozen. Smith’s heads-up play perfectly encapsulated January 7, 2025’s result, as the fearless, fresh-legged Hornets overwhelmed the Phoenix Suns, even as slight underdogs. Sprinkling some of everything into the box score, Smith offered an productive eight-point, four-rebound, three-assist, two-triple evening, alongside a +11 plus-minus during his 21-minute cameo.

Nick Smith Jr.

Hours removed from deciding to press pause on his podcast in an attempt to help right the Philadelphia 76ers’ season, Paul George — individually, at least — got the process rolling with a different kind of “mic drop” performance. Inside the storied venue that once chronicled his early-career big-game success as a visitor, George turned clocks back to 2013 during a crunchtime comeback bid. The first order of business arrived through a silky-smooth handle during a Spain pick-and-roll, opening up a world of possibilities, and ultimately, a double-clutch, over-the-head finish to offset OG Anunoby’s weak side help contest. Still reeling and on the floor’s other end with his opponents eager to take advantage, George benefits from the New York Knicks’ rushed approach, turning his teammate’s steal and outlet pass into a line-up-the-seams trifecta. George’s five-points-in-12-seconds sequence gave historic scoring outbursts in the Garden a run for their money, but New York’s execution ultimately prevailed. Superb nonetheless, George closed the evening with 25 points (on 9-of-20), alongside eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and four 3-pointers.

Paul George

Two nights after watching his teammates produce the most in-paint points by any Spur since 2022, Julian Champagnie did what any great wingman would do: set the table for a potential encore. Contributing first defensively, Alamo City’s third-year breakout candidate shuffles fearlessly into a pick-and-roll switch against All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, holding his own valiantly enough to force a turnover through active hands. Through well-played cards during the two-on-one transition to follow, Champagnie puts the requisite mustard on a heavy traffic pass, slinging a fireball bounce pass beyond Barnes’ reach, and into the hands of his running mate for a layup. Foiling the Toronto Raptors’ plans through everything from steals and blocks to shot clock violations forced, Champagnie epitomized what it meant to be a two-way dynamo during the San Antonio Spurs’ blowout win on March 23, 2025. The final box score included 20 points (on efficient six-of-nine shooting), five rebounds, two dimes, three steals, one block, and four 3-pointers.

Julian Champagnie

It takes a rare set of circumstances for a team to be both short and shorthanded, but as they entered February 12, 2025’s matchup with no starter taller than 6-foot-7, such was the reality for the Dallas Mavericks. Ever the leader, Kyrie Irving knew that there was only one thing to do: come up big in crunchtime. Only a few sequences shy of pairing his dynamite offensive performance with a victory, Irving enters attack mode, using a subtle ball fake to disorient Jimmy Butler before squaring his feet. Re-introducing the Golden State Warriors to a nightmare combination —  the end-of-game shot clock, and a pull-up from the right 3-point slot — the nine-time All-Star cashes in, putting Dallas ahead by three with under a minute to play. Already solidified in his reputation as a clutch performer, Irving used timely plays, including a charge on the opposite end to enhance a 42-point (on 15-of-25 shooting) outburst, alongside seven rebounds, one steal, and seven 3-pointers in the win.

Kyrie Irving

Comforted by a 17-point second quarter lead against a similarly-positioned Eastern Conference foe, the Detroit Pistons knew that only one, easier-said-than-done task remained: keeping one of the NBA’s most comeback-prone teams far into the rearview mirror. Fulfilling the task, fittingly, by barricading all driving lanes, Isaiah Stewart puts his defensive versatility on illustration, first by eliminating the screen-and-roll element of the Atlanta Hawks’ longtime two-man game. Left now with only the threat of Trae Young’s sure-to-be-crafty drive, Stewart gets level with Atlanta’s star, sending his layup attempt away with ferocity. In a survival-type win that saw Detroit win by one — despite leading for 47 of a possible 48 minutes — Stewart’s second-effort plays became a must-have on November 8, 2024. Building the early-season foundation for a 2024-25 campaign that currently ranks him among the NBA’s elite high-volume rim protectors, Stewart tallied 10 points (on five-of-eight shooting), 11 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Isaiah Stewart

Somewhat late in their arrival to the NBA’s leaguewide 3-point party, the Chicago Bulls — No. 26 in long-range attempts last season — have jumped to No. 2 in 2024-25. Unfortunately for them, February 26, 2025’s interconference clash welcomed a player who found no problem giving them a taste of their own medicine. Bordering on something beyond sizzling during a 27-point second half, James Harden studies the Bulls’ defense from centercourt, brainstorming through potential ways to close the game’s curtain. Ultimately setting on an ‘ol reliable, the former Most Valuable Player revs his engine, racing downhill before rhythmically drifting into a dagger stepback 3-pointer, putting the L.A. Clippers ahead by six in the final 15 seconds. Aging like fine wine, and officially back on All-Star track, Harden kept Los Angeles rolling, tallying a 30-point (on 9-of-20 shooting) effort, accompanied by six assists, one steal, one block, and seven 3-pointers, as the Clippers moved to six games above .500.

James Harden

For teams faced with the improbable odds of overcoming a four-point deficit in six seconds time, sidecourt discussions can be summarized through two must-haves: “a 3-pointer, and then a quick foul.” The sequence and ordering often arrives a bit differently, but through a breathtaking, four-point play on February 28, 2025, Coby White did the Chicago Bulls one better. First breaking free of Gradey Dick during a race towards the 3-point arc’s top, Chicago’s bucket-getter catches and raises up with ambition, hoping to check off requirement No. 1 with an accurate long-range fire. Ultimately successful — and drawing a whistle from Immanuel Quickley’s untimely foul at once — White unites 20,938 in celebration, securing a four-point play that skyrockets Chicago’s victory probability from 15.6 to 50 percent in a single sequence. Understandably, the Toronto Raptors’ psyche was never the same, as Chicago cruised to a just-as-unlikely double-digit overtime win. Donning perhaps a “Superman” cape under his Chicago Bulls uniform, White finished with 24 points (on 8-of-16 shooting), four rebounds, three assists, four steals, and two 3-pointers.

Coby White

For opponents tasked with surviving the Detroit Pistons’ No. 2-ranked transition attack, the nightmare of all nightmares likely includes their first-time All-Star point guard running the show, with athletic rim-runners at either side. Determined to keep adversaries guessing during Motor City’s journey to the postseason, Ausar Thompson let the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense in on something that might be just as difficult to contain. Afforded a greener playmaking light following his teammate’s season-ending injury, Thompson steps to the plate fearlessly, racing the floor with a focus on using a four-on-three opportunity advantageously. Putting freeze to Bruce Brown’s steps through a subtle head turn, Thompson feigns the idea of a perimeter pass, instead bouncing a spot-on dish to his cutting floor general for a memorable sequence. As evidenced through their 46-point rout on March 17, 2025, the Pistons’ chess-not-checkers approach worked flawlessly, with Thompson contributing a nine-point, four-rebound, three-assist, one-steal, two-block contribution to the cause, alongside a crossing of the 1,000-point barrier.

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$459 Moment

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