The poem fast break by edward hirsch was written to honor dennis turner, the authors friend. how does this information affect your understanding of the poems closing image?

In light of the fact that "Fast Break" was written to honor Dennis Turner, the closing lines could be interpreted as a symbolic reference to life not lived in vain. The player is "inexplicably falling", a reference to Dennis' sudden death. But as he tumbles down he looks up to see the ball going through the net. He lived a consequential life.