Hustle Time

Then, as the first-quarter clock falls toward zero, LeBron James pounds toward the basket. The crowd rises, praying for a dunk. The Sixers' defense collapses, praying for anything but. James flips the ball to the corner.

Damon Jones. Standing still. Hands up. Open.

Walter Novak

With LeBron James drawing attention, Jones hoped to repeat the success he found in Miami.

Walter Novak

With LeBron James drawing attention, Jones hoped to repeat the success he found in Miami.

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As the ball pours through the net, and the quarter ends, Jones stands frozen, three fingers spread wide. His teammates leap from the bench, watching and waiting for Jones to join them. But for the moment, he just stands there, smiling big.

It's a sellout tonight. For the moment, the whole place is smiling big with him.