This morning, ESPN showed a highlight of a huge basket made during last night’s Thunder vs. Lakers game at Chesapeake Energy Arena, and the announcer introduced the clip by saying, “This may be the most memorable thing that happened Tuesday.”
The shot didn’t affect the score in any way. But it may have changed a few lives.
Heath and Jenni Kufahl took the court during the third-quarter break to take part in the Midfirst Bank Shot contest, a free throw showdown between two teams hoping to win a chance to take a half-court shot. A win at the line and a basket from half court would mean $20,000.
Jenni didn’t want to be there, she said afterward, but Heath convinced her to take part. The couple put in six free throws – enough to get them the opportunity to take a chance, a dream from the Thunder shield in the middle of the hardwood.
Heath sank the shot and ran around the court in celebration, while Jenni looked on in stunned disbelief.
It’s an amazing moment to watch, but before you check out the video, you should know one thing – four months ago, Jenni was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. With medical bills, seven kids at home and with Heath working as a teacher and volleyball/basketball coach at Christian Heritage Academy in Del City, this wasn’t just a shot of a lifetime – this was a shot that might change their lives.
You’ll want to watch this footage from every angle, so take a look at this video of the shot on the Thunder website, this video of the Kufahls’ reactions AND this raw footage from our YouTube page:
So far, the shot has been shown on local news, ESPN and CNN. It could become the shot seen ’round the world before the day is through.
If this was the most memorable thing that happened Tuesday, then Tuesday was a pretty good day.
- Karina Henderson
This may have been the “Shot seen around the world, and instead of a shot that killed someone, it just may have been the shot that saved not one life but possibly an entire family! Congrats to the Kufahl family!!! As always, hats off to the Thunder organization for making this a very, very memorable Tuesday for one family.
I didn’t get to be there Tuesday night and so sorry I missed the shot.
So glad you hit the shot for the $20,000.00. I know you can use this for lots of things.
Give you wife our regards and we wish the best for you and your family.
So happy for you and your wife that you made the $20,000.00 shot.
Give your wife our regards and wish the very best for your family.
That is awesome! To God be the glory!! Praise God for hearing your prayers, he is faithful. My prayers go out to you and your family.
This is a perfect example of how GOD works in mysterious ways. Congratulations to a most deserving couple. I wish you well and will keep you in my prayers. Karen York.