It is every team’s announced goal to run a lineup strictly by meritocracy and meritocracy alone. It’s a simple concept to idealize, but often impractical to deploy. Marcus Semien and Adolis García

There was a moment Tuesday night when “muscle memory” transcended the colors on the uniforms. Paige Bueckers was at the free throw line, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa instinctively stuck out her hand.