The basketball bounced off the rim, then dropped through the net.
In that brief span of less than a second, everyone in the arena experienced a 180-degree emotional swing.
Atkinson, who had raised both arms to celebrate victory, collapsed back onto the bench, while Grizzlies fans, whose spirits had hit rock bottom moments earlier, threw up their arms and cheered.
One side's joy was destined to mean the other side's disappointment. Yet in that moment, everyone experienced both emotions at once.
A scene like this could probably only be created by Link.
Sure enough, Link had been born for moments like this!
"A breathtaking game-winner! In the very first game of the new season, we witnessed a buzzer-beater! This is absolutely one of the greatest season openers in NBA history—no, we can even remove the 'one of'!"
The moment the ball went in, old Hubie Brown could not help but rise to his feet.
Before the game, when he shook hands with Link, Hubie had struggled just to stand up.
But in that instant, the nearly ninety-year-old man practically launched himself out of the commentator's seat.
Sure enough, exercise was the key to life.
Even watching other people exercise had miraculous effects.
The Grizzlies players on the bench also immediately hoisted Link, who had fallen back onto the bench, high into the air the instant the shot went in.
Dwight Howard was the first to rush over and try to lift Link up. It was probably the first time he had ever been this thrilled by a win.
Derrick Rose was equally excited, because Link had given him everything he needed to contend for a championship ring.
Following Link, Rose was full of confidence in that once-unreachable goal.
JaMychal Green was so excited that he kept shouting. Watching his idol