The Final Shot

There is a frightening beauty on display when a player has the ball with the game on the line. The clock winds down. The crowd winds up. The player stands, keenly aware of the stakes.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Glance at the clock. Take another few dribbles. 

Fans begin worrying if the shot will go up in time. Teammates and coaches hope for the best but are mostly helpless. 

A couple more dribbles. A couple more cheers. A couple more breaths. A couple more jeers. 

A final glance at the clock. One quick step and a hesitation. Crossover and pull up. 

The ball rolls off the fingers and arcs toward the hoop. A referee raises his arm. A mother shouts his name. A commentator prepares his call.

Feet touch the ground, arm still displayed in the air. The buzzer sounds. The crowd leans. For a single frame, all is still. 

The ball glides through the net. It pierces the calm. A mass of bodies erupt and engulf the floor. The player has won. Defeated are the doubts. 

Breathe in. Breathe out. Never the same. 

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