Nets fans think Dwyane Wade rigged the dunk contest. Hear what they chanted at Aaron Gordon.
NBA fans can be ruthless.
Some tend to go too far but others will point out your flaws with such prescient vigor that it’s somehow impressive, cruel and even a bit hilarious.
The latest iteration of a fanbases’ merciless came Monday night when the Orlando Magic faced the Brooklyn Nets. First reported by ClutchPoints, Nets fans erupted in a chant for the ages as Magic forward Aaron Gordon shot his free throws.
This, clearly, was a reference to the Slam Dunk Contest that Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade appeared to rig in favor of his former teammate Derrick Jones Jr. Wade has literally plead the fifth when asked about the situation.
It’s hard not to feel for Gordon. Following his most recent loss, the Arizona product said he feels robbed of two dunk contest trophies. Then-Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach Lavine defeated him in the highly contested 2016 Slam Dunk Contest.
When pressed about the controversy, Jones dismissed the notion that Wade essentially handed him the trophy, telling Five Reasons Sports that he finds the situation funny.
“I laugh at it. I don’t care about that,” Jones said. “At the end of the day, I won. If anybody wants to challenge me—in the summertime, next season when we go back—I’m gonna be there.”
As for Gordon, he got the last laugh in Brooklyn. The six-year veteran dropped 27 points, 10 rebounds and had a clutch block late in the fourth quarter that secured the Magic’s victory.
This story was originally published February 26, 2020 at 3:16 PM.
