I inbound the ball with 12 seconds left
The team is working with desperation
We scramble around the court trying to score
Everybody is scared to take the last shot.
A teammate drives to the basket
Dishes the ball out to me
I start my shot and feel the ball release my fingertips
A referee blows his whistle indicating a foul on the shot
The ball circles around the rim but falls out.
I take a deep breath while walking to the free throw line.
I step up to the line
Take a quick glance at the board
Time is expired
Tied up
I receive the ball from the official
Stare long and hard at the hoop
Swipe my forehead clean of sweat
Bounce, Bounce
Deep breath
I start my shot and feel the ball releases my finger tips
Brick!
The whole gym falls still
My blood starts flowing
Take a quick glance at the board
Time is expired
Tied up
The gym is waiting silently
Anticipating what will happen
Either walking out the gym a victor
Or walking out with defeat
I focus hard on the rim
Square up my feet on the line
I receive the ball from the official
Stare long and hard at the hoop
Swipe my forehead clean of sweat
Bounce, Bounce
Deep breath
I start my shot and feel the ball release my fingertips.