We here at The Friendly Bounce encourage defenders to leave their feet and contest dunk attempts. It is part of why we love Kristaps Porzingis so much. That said, there is a time and a place to admit defeat and much of it starts with understanding who you are as a defender and who the dunker you are contesting is. On Saturday, Jahlil Okafor learned that lesson when he took on DeMar DeRozan and lost.
(Vine via the NBA)
Considering that DeRozan is one of the best dunkers in the league and Okafor is not exactly a defensive stopper, it would have been understandable for him to not leave his feet once DeRozan did. But Jahlil decided too, even if it looks like he immediately regretted that decision as he floated away from DeRozan and the rim.
Eventually Jahlil will figure out the line between contesting well and not choosing battles he cannot win. For now we will marvel at yet another impressive DeRozan dunk.