How to Score 15 Points in 2.9 Seconds

Earlier this week, the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls gave us maybe the wackiest finish of the season.

First, Trae Young danced around for a little bit and then hit a smooth step-back jumper. The Hawks grabbed a two-point lead.

Then, DeMar DeRozan got fouled and sunk all three free throws for the Bulls. It appeared Chicago would sneak out this victory.

Au contraire, mon frère. The Hawks had other plans.

They ran this nifty backdoor play, and rookie AJ Griffin made an incredibly tough finish to get the score. It’s his second game-winner of the year. Let’s watch!

Trae Young also got fined $25,000 for chucking the ball into the stands right after the game-winner. Could you imagine losing that much money for celebrating something?

Perhaps the wildest part of everything that happened here: It took a mere one second of game time.

Seven points. One second.

Of course, because basketball is cyclical, it reminded me of another game that happened 14 years ago.

Hop into this time machine with me. And please, don’t touch anything.

Back on November 6, 2008, the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers were engaged in a tight battle that was coming down to the wire.

Houston’s Tracy McGrady—perhaps most well-known for kicking a ball into the stands twice in a row (not really, but this clip cracks me up)—misses a jump shot.

The Blazers get the rebound, hand it to Brandon Roy, and get out of the way.

It’s a great idea, as Roy does a cool as a cucumber spin move and makes the basket.

Down by two, the Rockets need to run something that will result in a bucket. Pro tip: If you ever find yourself in such a scenario, throw it to a 7’6″ man.

In this case, it’s Yao Ming. He catches the ball, and as he turns to shoot, absorbs a swat from Roy. Yao cleanly makes the basket, then calmly hits the free throw.

The Rockets are up one with just 0.8 to go. Then Roy does his best to atone for his earlier mistake of fouling Yao.

Here’s how the final seconds unfolded:

Pan. De. Monium. This all happened in 1.8 seconds.

For those scoring at home, that’s a combined 15 points in 2.9 seconds.

If you’ve never witnessed a game-winning buzzer beater in person, I highly recommend it. There are fewer pure joy moments in sports.

Yes, it’s hard to predict when a game-winner can happen, but if you walk down to the court before the game and ask really nicely, you might get your wish.

That’s a good lesson for life in general. Ask for what you want. You never know what pleasant surprises could come your way!