Then he tells himself, Lighten up yourself. You can tell him later. And he takes a deep breath. Feels the ball against his right hand. Dips his knees.
Somebody hold the door.
Pushes with his wrist, his arm, his whole body. At the right moment, lets it go. Hold the door. Take him right in. The ball rises, gains momentum, arcs, a long, slow arc, over the rim and backboard, misses everything.