82. We're Supposed to Be a Team

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Hello hello! February's here, one step closer to spring! It was 50 degrees a couple of days ago, which might as well be beach weather in the region! Keep it coming!

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1. Puzzle #81 answer: CLOUD NINE

Correct entries: 48, tied with last week!

Shortest explanation: There are only nine three-by-three regions of the bizarrely patterned grid that do not have any black squares within. Each of these squares has exactly three of the same letter, which spell out CLOUD NINE in standard order (fitting for meta #81 also, has 9 3-by-3 squares have a total area of 81!).

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2. We'll see if my promise holds on this one: I would rate this a Level 1.5 or Level 2 at the most, with meta #82 being in honor of the NBA, with its 82-game season.

Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful!

Mikey G

The answer to the meta is NBA team #5.