Check out Rookie Will Barton's Vicious Dunk on Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Trail Blazers rookie Will Barton hammered home a wicked slam against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 12.
The Blazers have long been eliminated from playoff consideration, so the play ultimately didn't count for much. But try telling that to the Rip City faithful who nearly blew the roof off of the Rose Garden as they boisterously celebrated Barton's nasty two-hander.
Deafening roars aside, a few other things about the dunk were notable as well.
First of all, Barton threw it down on the head of one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders:
"This time Barton sees All-D teamer Thabo Sefolosha and posterizes him with a vicious throwdown. Do your thing, Will.
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) April 12, 2013"
Thabo Sefolosha is hardly known for his leaping ability, but anytime you can serve one up against an elite defender (even in a help situation), it's got to count for something. Plus, Serge Ibaka was in the immediate vicinity, which earns Barton extra credit.
Normally, little guys think twice before elevating when the Thunder's shot-blocking forward is nearby. Not Barton, though.
Perhaps most importantly, Barton proved that he had recovered from a rough night against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. After all, it wasn't long ago that most of America knew Barton as the guy Bryant denied at the rim with a huge block in transition.
And it wasn't just the singular block that ruined Barton's night on April 10:
"Kobe's having his way with rookie Will Barton, stripping him 3 times, and blocking him twice. LAL up 7 thanks to this 17-2 run.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 11, 2013"
Yep, Barton's come a long way in a few days. And he's even earned a nickname in the process—albeit one that really only belongs to former San Francisco Giant Will Clark:
"WILL THE THRRRRILLLLLLL!!!!! #GetSome
— Trail Blazers (@pdxtrailblazers) April 12, 2013"
Maybe Clark will let Barton have the name for a while. After all, he's owed that much for the cocked-back style and unadulterated ferocity that marked one of the very best dunks of the year.
Will the Thrill, indeed.
