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What's the word, Enjoyers? The vibes are immaculate today because we have some huge news to share (which one million of you already saw on Twitter).

Welcome Numbers on the Board to the Enjoy Basketball Podcast Network! Kenny, Pierre, Mike, and Darrick are taking things to the next level. Stay tuned as we expand beyond this newsletter with our own network of shows.

PS… we got an even crazier announcement coming next week. 👀

Today’s Lineup

Last Night’s Action

Bucks escape Spurs 125-121 in “Game of the Season” candidate

You know when a matchup looks incredible on paper and still completely blows expectations out of the water? This game did that and then some. Victor Wembanyama (27 PTS, 5 BLK) didn’t let a minutes restriction stop him from having the best game of his young career. The French phenom had a highlight reel for the ages including a self-lob, a behind-the-back and-one dunk in transition, this block-to-three sequence, and a clutch stuff of Giannis at the rim. Just a casual Thursday night.

Unfortunately for him, the Spurs (5-29) ran into the Greek Freak at his very best. Giannis (44 PTS, 13 REB) was the textbook definition of unstoppable, hitting multiple late threes and this thunderous jam in crunch time. He and Damian Lillard combined for 25 points in the fourth quarter to secure a thrilling W for the Bucks (25-10).

Jokic wild game-winner completes Nuggets 130-127 comeback win over Warriors

For those of you who couldn’t watch hoops yesterday, we’re sorry… because this might have been the best two-game slate of all time.

Through three quarters, this game looked like a typical Warriors (16-18) script that’s been written hundreds of times over the past decade. After a shaky first half, Golden State ran rampant in the third quarter thanks to some sweet shooting from Steph (30 PTS) and Klay (24 PTS) plus a great stretch from the bench to take a double-digit lead into the fourth. Game over, right?

Well, maybe, if they weren’t playing the defending champs. The Nuggets (25-11) completely clamped up over the final six minutes as Aaron Gordon (28 PTS) led an unbelievable 27-6 run. Then, a late turnover set the stage for Nikola Jokic to hit one of the goofiest buzzer-beaters you will ever see in your life. Jokic trebuchet launches from behind his head have a 100% hit rate. We don’t make the rules.

Wednesday Night Notes

Get your hump day box scores HERE!

• Look out everyone, Zion is starting to look like Zion again. The former #1 pick tore the Timberwolves top-ranked defense to shreds, scoring 27 points on 73% shooting in a statement victory for the Pelicans.

• If you weren't familiar with Jalen Johnson's game, you should be now! Our 2023 breakout candidate dropped 28 points and 4 steals to secure the Hawks a much-needed win against a scorching Thunder squad.

• This Raptors-Knicks trade is starting to give off some win-win vibes. OG Anunoby was a game-high +35 in the Knicks win over Chicago, and Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 26 points as they took down the Grizzlies for their second straight W.

• Look out everyone, it's another 'Not Since Wilt' statline! Domantas Sabonis became the first player since the Big Dipper himself to put up 22+ points, 23+ rebounds, and 12+ assists in the Kings wild 2OT win over Orlando.

• Get the word out there, Jaime Jaquez Jr rocks. The reigning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month helped hold LeBron James to just 12 points and gave us his best Kobe impression in the Heat’s huge W in the Crypt.

With the season nearly halfway over, we've had plenty of time to sit and digest our favorite clutch moments. Let's look at some of our favorite game-winning plays so far, excluding Jokers’ crazy shot tonight.

5. Steph's Dagger Sinks Portland - Dec 6th

No matter their record, the Warriors can always count on Steph Curry to cook when it counts. The three-point GOAT dropped 22 points in the second half to drag the Warriors over the Blazers last month, including an immaculate step-back to put the game away. Never gets old.

4. Two-Way Trae Takes the Charge - Nov 30th

Scream it from the rooftops: clutch defense matters too! There's something special about a game-sealing charge take, especially when it comes from a supposed non-defender. Trae Young's positioning was immaculate on this last-second fast break by the Spurs, stepping in front of Jeremy Sochan at just the right time to snag the dub.

3. Welcome Back Ja - Dec 19th

Ja Morant must have used his free time during his suspension to charge his clutch meter. During his first game back, he led the Grizzlies to a 19-point comeback win over the Pelicans, capping it off with a ferocious drive in the closing seconds to make it official.

2. Jimmy Buckets at the Buzzer - Dec 16th

"How many times are we gonna have to teach you this lesson, old man?" is what Jimmy Butler probably tells every team who lets him iso in the clutch. This season’s unfortunate victim was the Bulls, as Butler got to his spot in the closing seconds and created what looked like a football field worth of space to nail the game-winning middy.

1. Luka Magic Works Wonders - Oct 27th

We don’t think Luka Magic is real magic, but this game at least had us seriously questioning it. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back clutch threes with a 25-foot hook shot off the glass to ice it? Be for real now, somebody cast a spell on that ball.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

Thanks for reading y’all! We’d like to take this intro to congratulate Ricky Rubio on 12 successful years in the NBA, and also for being open and honest about his recent mental health struggles. Remember, players are people too.

Until next time,

-Spencer Poole