I would prefer to finish with a score of 30-0 rather than 9-0, as the latter indicates that self-doubt has taken over, leading to a psychological collapse and a loss of confidence.

In those words, the great Kobe Bryant illustrated how critical errors can occur in pivotal game moments, emphasizing that these moments can be overshadowed by numerous opportunities to achieve victory…

A comparable mentality appears to resonate with the former NBA player It’s on him.

The basketball player for Budućnost Voli has been showing impressive performance since joining the team in Podgorica, boasting significant stats. However, the term “tragic” was frequently associated with him for an extended period. Wright was candid about the challenges during the game’s final moments, yet it seemed he was haunted by the specter of missed shots that could have clinched victory.

– The concluding plays are sometimes not orchestrated as expected. I can’t pinpoint the issue, but I can see that the players are fighting for a win, and McKinley is no exception. Last-second shots are unpredictable – sometimes they go in, and sometimes they don’t, commented Andrej Zhakelj, coach of the “blues,” following Wright’s missed opportunities to shine recently against Besiktas in “Morača”.

Prior to that, there was a streak of missed chances, particularly during last season against teams like Aris, Cedevit-Olimpija, Cluj, and Turk Telekom…

Then, shortly after the coach’s remarks, the player from Minneapolis displayed his leadership qualities, proving he possesses the qualities that define great athletes.

Budućnost was considered underdogs before their match against the undefeated Partizan in Belgrade. At that time, they had little confidence on their side, but as the Euroleague team threatened to regain momentum, Wright maintained his composure, demonstrating poise and assurance before an audience of 11,000 fans in the Belgrade Arena. His performance in both offense and defense was stellar, contributing to Partizan’s first defeat in Belgrade in four years.

In that encounter, the once-tragic player displayed his ability to contend with elite teams. Just two nights ago, as 2024 came to a close, he showed his knack for “pulling” his team through what seemed like a precarious situation.

With 70 seconds left in the game against FMP in Železnik, Budućnost found themselves unexpectedly down by ten points, and once again, Wright took charge.

The point guard from Budućnost succeeded in all three free throws with 27 seconds remaining, leveling the game (87:87). On the subsequent possession, he scored two points and an additional free throw for 91:87, effectively turning a seemingly lost game into a triumph.

McKinley has transitioned from a tragic figure to a match-winner, becoming, alongside Kenan Kamenjaš, one of the standout players for Budućnost this season.

The summer brought reinforcements to Podgorica, but it seems that the most significant addition was the contract extension for their playmaker…

In 2024, the team from our capital concluded the season at the top of the AdmiralBet ABA League alongside Partizan and Red Star, largely thanks to the leadership quality of McKinley Wright.

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