22 Down

NYT Daily ? September 13, 2025

Basketball Hall-of-Famer Baylor

Answer:

ELGIN

Hint:

This NBA legend played his entire 14-year career with the Lakers and was known for his graceful, acrobatic style on the court.

Explanation:

This clue refers to Elgin Baylor, a legendary basketball player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The answer is simply his first name, "ELGIN," which fits the crossword’s length. If you know NBA history, Baylor’s name stands out—he played for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers in the 1950s and 60s and was known for his acrobatic style. The clue assumes familiarity with sports figures, so recognizing "Baylor" as a surname is key.

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General solving tip

Fill-in-the-blank clues want a set phrase or idiom. The crosses usually confirm the exact wording.

More tips → General Hints