Dwight Howard Loses to Rockets Mascot in Half-Court Shooting Contest

A baller he might be, but no one has ever accused Dwight Howard of being any good from beyond the arc.

The Rockets center appears to be enjoying his time with his new team, and recently indulged in an activity that would have never occurred under Kobe’s watch in Los Angeles.

A half-court shooting contest.

The contest was spotted by Sean Highkin of For The Win, and it was closer than you might expect.

Before demolishing the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, Howard lined up at the center court line in the Toyota Center and let fly a backwards, half-court granny shot. 

To his credit, the big man was close. The ball actually touched rim, which is probably more than most would have expected. Unfortunately for Howard, it wasn’t long before his admirable attempt was blown away.

Which showboating sharpshooter managed to one-up Howard on his home court?

Clutch, the Rockets mascot, of course.

Living up to his name, Clutch lined up his granny shot and banked the ball in off the backboard. The sportscasters recapping the contest relished in the moment. One of them did sound a bit confused, however.

“Is that...is that a big mouse?”

No, good sir. Rocket is not a mouse. He is a bear, thank you. He’s quite possibly the coolest bear in the NBA.

He scares children, jumps off boats and shaves Miami Heat “fans’” heads. In other words, Clutch is a good bear and highly deserving of your respect.

He’ll also destroy you H.O.R.S.E.—an impressive feat considering his hibernation patterns make him rustier than most ballplayers come the beginning of the regular season. 

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