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Johnny Furphy Just Baptized a Dude at NBA Summer League

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Joe Tillery | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 11:44 AM ET

Former Kansas Jayhawk Johnny Furphy delivered one of the most vicious dunks you’ll ever see Monday night during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Driving baseline with a full head of steam, Furphy rose up and absolutely detonated on a Bulls defender, catching a body and creating the kind of moment that makes summer ball feel like prime time.

The slam sent the gym into chaos. Cameras caught Furphy hanging in the air with his knees near the defender’s shoulders, while teammates on the Pacers bench lost their minds. It was the type of play that demands a second look, and within minutes, the clip was all over social media.

JOHNNY FURPHY CLIMBED THE LADDER

(via @Pacers) pic.twitter.com/6sbv6PnzIj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 15, 2025

Bleacher Report, ESPN, and just about every NBA account had it up within the hour. One SportsCenter anchor flat-out couldn’t keep it together during the highlight package, calling it “the worst poster I’ve seen in my life.” The photo alone, Furphy midair, the defender looking like he got caught in a wind tunnel, is already being called one of the wildest NBA images in years.

Even Indiana stars were in on the reaction. Tyrese Haliburton fired off a post calling Furphy “Johnny MF Furphy” with a string of fire emojis, while WNBA standout Caitlin Clark shared the moment on her Instagram story.

Furphy, who was taken in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, finished with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 31 minutes. But the stat line is just background noise compared to what fans will remember from Monday night.

He didn’t just posterize a defender. He introduced himself to the league in a way that no scout or front office executive will forget anytime soon.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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