There were two MVP candidates playing against each other on Monday night as Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets faced off against Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
But it was Nuggets rookie Bones Hyland who really stole the show.
Hyland scored 21 points, including four fourth-quarter threes, to help the Nuggets secure the win, 115-110.
But the big night was special for Hyland because of another reason: he had some very special fans in the stand.
Almost four years ago, Bones Hyland was forced to jump out the window of his Delaware home as it became engulfed in flames, injuring his right knee.
Monday, he played a key role in Denver's win, with the first responders who saved his life in the stands. https://t.co/ObY90tyzk7 pic.twitter.com/9pvU4sZcX4
— ESPN (@espn) March 15, 2022
Hyland is lucky to be playing basketball – and lucky to be alive.
Four years ago, Hyland was forced to leap out of an upper floor as a housefire engulfed his home.
The jump injured his right knee and put his future in the NBA in question.
But Hyland has overcome the injury and is now one of the star rookies in the league.
Hyland credits a group of firefighters and first responders with saving his life that night – and some of them were on hand to watch him win on Monday night.
A Special Gift From Special Fans
On Monday night, 40 members of the Wilmington Fire Department came to nearby Philadelphia so they could cheer on Hyland and the Nuggets.
Hyland took pictures with the first responders and shared a special moment with the people who saved his life as well as the life of his brother.
As a special gift, the firefighters presented Hyland with a custom jacket from their fire department.
Hyland’s supporters gave him more reason to try his hardest.
Because of them, he was fired up and ready to impress.
That is exactly what he did on Monday night.
Hyland is lucky to be alive and lucky to be in the NBA – and basketball fans are lucky to have him.
NEXT: Bones Hyland Stole The Show For The Nuggets On Monday
