There’s nothing worse than having a clear path to the basket and missing a dunk. A missed dunk can be an argument online where you realize you have made a terrible typo that makes you look like a fool instead of a victor in an argument. A missed dunk might be when you’re racing past a car that’s been driving you crazy with its terrible weaving, only to get pulled over by a cop. A missed dunk might be campaigning in Texas the final weekend of a presidential election and then losing Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately, in Miles’ case, he actually missed a dunk.
With his team leading by five points with 18 seconds left in a basketball game, Miles stole the ball from the opponent’s point guard. As he dribbled towards the basket, Miles felt like he was on top of the world. He was ready to hammer down the proverbial nail in the coffin and wanted to do it in style.
Miles extended his arm above his head, flew towards the basket like Superman and brought the ball down. Unfortunately, it clanged on the back of the rim. The ball shot high into the air as Miles went down screaming. He landed sideways and lay on the court, watching the ball soar to the other end of the court, right into one of his opponent’s hands. The player swished a three-point shot.
“Miles, get up!” his coach yelled. Miles, in a lot of pain, stumbled back to the other side of the court. His team had no timeouts. They needed to get the ball into play.
All Miles could think about was what everyone would say to him if they lost this game. He could have shot a layup, or he could have played it safe and held the ball. He should have done anything other than miss a dunk.
Miles was so distracted as the ball was inbounded towards him that he didn’t see the defender jump in front of him. The opponent stepped back and hit a final three-pointer as time expired. Miles’ team lost.
The missed dunk was Miles’ team’s undoing. Miles just wanted to feel like Superman again.