We started to play, and a lot of my shots began to fall. Sometimes these freak nights happen, and they're always fun. Billy and I traded off taking jump shots and driving to the basket.
As the game neared its end, I did a spin move on the Irish lad guarding me and had a wide open look at the rim. I jumped straight up and tried to dunk it. It bounced out. I had never dunked from standing directly under the rim before, and I was surprised at how close I came. In the past I've only been able to dunk if I get a 3 step running start....usually on fast breaks.
On our next possession, I sprinted up the sideline and one of my Irish teammates threw a Tom Brady style "hail Mary" to me. I caught it and the only thing standing in between me and the hoop was a short guard from the other team. I decided to go for a dunk and took off from a step inside the key.
The defender looked far below me as I soared toward the rim. I dunked the ball with my left hand more powerfully than I ever have, and as I grabbed onto the rim,
IT RIPPED OFF OF THE BACKBOARD!!!
All of my teammates watching screamed OHHHHHHHH!!!!! As I landed, wood splinters rained down upon me, and after turning around and seeing the broken rim/giant chunk of backboard lying on the floor, I stood in shock.
The game was officially over, and the Irish lads on my team couldn't stop smiling. I slung the rim/backboard remnant over my right shoulder and walked out of the gym. I approached the reception desk and the look on the woman's face was one of mixed shock and confusion. I handed her the rim and explained what happened. She said that it was alright, and I walked home with my team.
