Open Thread: One Spurs fan walked out of Thursday night's game with $10,000
Yesterday at 07:00 AM
The Victory Capital Half Court Hero pleased a loud and proud Frost Bank Center crowd
On Thursday night, the San Antonio Spurs hosted the Atlanta Hawks in a barnburner that saw our beloved Silver & Black steal an overtime win against a team that made it the Eastern Semifinal of the 2024 Emirates Cup.
I was fortunate enough to be one of the in arena fans at this particular game.
One of the benefits of attending a game is that you catch all of the action taking place during the game as well as throughout the breaks.
During the first half during a time out, a contestant was given an opportunity to win $10,000 by making as half-court shot.
Though game break events are not televised and are rarely mentioned, this particular shot has now been heard 'round the world....so to speak.
In Instagram posts by both the NBA and Spurs revealed that the Victory Capital Half Court Hero hit the shot.
Gabe Rios was required to make a lay up, three-point shot, and a half court shot in 45 seconds.
He made the lay up and the three-pointer each on the first try giving him just over a half a minute to make a circus style half court bomb.
He tossed five or six attempt, each one a little further from glory and then with only enough time for one more try (and with Spurs arena host Chuck Cureau counting down), the contestant dug deep, took a larger step back and hurled with all his might, sinking the needed distant attempt.
What makes the young man's feat all the better — he is a teacher. For those unaware, teaching typically doesn't offer the most competitive salary and in most cases lacks a holiday bonus.
Thanks to the Spurs — and a little mix of skill and luck — one Spurs fan received a nice holiday pay bump and experienced a inkling of stardom in front of a supportive, cheering crowd.
Happy holidays, Pounders.
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