Jay Huff's missed reverse dunk 'hurts' but he still starred in Pacers' win
January 17, 2026, 4:50 a.m. ET
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jay Huff saw a clear path to the basket and, in a moment of daring, decided to take on the challenge. Despite the missed dunk, Huff's performance was nothing short of stellar, leading the Pacers to victory against the Pelicans.
Huff, a towering presence at 7-1, had already surpassed his career and season-high point totals by the 9:15 mark in the third quarter. With the game against the Pelicans heating up, Huff caught a pass at the left elbow and quickly realized that New Orleans rookie Derik Queen was applying intense defensive pressure. Huff, ever the skilled player, took one dribble, took three steps, and then soared towards the middle of the paint, spinning for a reverse dunk that he's known for. However, in a moment of hesitation, he missed the shot, leaving a sense of 'what could have been.'
Despite this setback, Huff's overall performance was impressive, showcasing his ability to lead the team to victory even in the face of missed opportunities. His 29 points were a testament to his talent and determination, proving that even a missed dunk can't diminish his star power.
