Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk earned the permanent fandom of Pat McAfee and $20,000 for charity during Friday’s 120–118 win over the Clippers.
During ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, McAfee described a fun exchange between him and the NBA veteran at the game. Sitting courtside near the Jazz bench, McAfee heard coach Will Hardy complain after Olynyk passed up a three-point shot. Olynyk also opted not to shoot a corner three later in the half.
At halftime, McAfee talked to Olynyk’s former teammate Dwyane Wade, who explained that Olynyk is a good three-point shooter but if he sees what he thinks is a better play, he’ll pass instead of shooting.
That compelled McAfee to approach Olynyk before he checked into the game during the third quarter and offer to contribute $10,000 to the forward’s favorite charity if he hit a three-pointer in the second half. Whether Olynyk saw it as a challenge or an opportunity to earn a charitable contribution, he obliged when he was open for a three in the fourth quarter.
Check out McAfee’s account of the story:
We had an ALL TIME moment with Kelly Olynyk at the Utah Jazz game..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 30, 2023
Before he checked in during the third quarter I offered him $10,000 to a charity of his choice if he hit a three..
HE CHECKS IN AND HITS BACK TO BACK THREES.. WE WERE GOING CRAZY#PMSLive #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/1aGuEYQo1Y
Olynyk is a career 37% three-point shooter, so perhaps McAfee should’ve checked the stats before his bold wager. However, the Jazz and their coach were surely happy that Olynyk made two three-pointers in Friday’s win—especially because the margin of victory was two points.
But maybe it’s possible that Olynyk was just a bit more motivated to stick it to McAfee and have a little fun. Regardless, everyone made out well in this situation, except McAfee, who must pay out $20,000.
But it doesn’t sound as if he minds at all after enjoying a great courtside basketball experience.
