LeBron James didn't hide his excitement after a fan hit a half-court shot at a Miami Heat home game.
Miami won the game against the Pistons 110:88
Fifth-year-old computer technician Michael Drysch from McHenry, Illinois., grabbed the ball, heaved a hook shot from half court to win $75,000. The shot had barely went through the net as James jumped the fan and celebrated with him on the court of AmericanAirlines Arena.
"Nice way to meet somebody," Drysch said. "I can't believe it."
James scored 23 points, grabbed 7 boards and had 7 assists
The long shot was a long shot, especially given Drysch's shooting form.
"When he wound up I was like, 'Oh no, there's no way,'" James said. "When it dropped, that was awesome. I would have probably air-balled that one in that situation."
Drysch said he practiced the shot and made "maybe 1 percent."
"That was crazy," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "The place erupted. It was like it was when we won the finals."
Coach Erik Spoelstra was drawing up a play in front of the Heat bench when Drysch sank his shot.
"I heard the eruption, and I turned and I saw LeBron absolutely tackle him," Spoelstra said.
"I had no idea what was going on. That fan, while he'll love the $75,000, having that on video — LeBron James tackling you at half court in front of 20,000 — I think will be the longer-lasting memory."
This all happened during Miami's friday game against the Detroit Pistons which Miami won comfortably 110:88. LeBron James scored 23 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 7 assists.
