Basketball: A Love Story

Watch Basketball: A Love Story

  • 2018
  • 1 Season
  • 8.3  (127)

Basketball: A Love Story is a documentary miniseries produced by ESPN that was released in 2018. It explores the history of basketball and its impact on American culture through interviews with over 165 NBA legends, coaches, and executives, as well as prominent cultural figures such as Julianne Moore, Ashley Judd, and Chadwick Boseman. The series is comprised of ten episodes, each running between 40 to 60 minutes in length. Each episode covers a different aspect of basketball's history, from the early days of the sport all the way to the present day. The interviews are conducted in a conversational style that focuses on the personalities of the individuals, rather than just their accomplishments on the court. One of the most interesting aspects of Basketball: A Love Story is how it tells the story of basketball through the eyes of those who played and coached the game. The series features interviews with basketball legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. Their insights into the sport and their own experiences are fascinating to watch, especially for basketball fans. In addition to the interviews with players and coaches, the series also features commentary from prominent cultural figures, including actors, writers, and musicians. For example, Julianne Moore speaks about her love of basketball and how she became a fan of the New York Knicks. Ashley Judd talks about how her father, a Kentucky Wildcats fan, introduced her to the game. Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as Black Panther, shares his thoughts on the intersection of basketball and African American culture. One of the strengths of Basketball: A Love Story is its ability to delve into the nuances of basketball and its impact on American culture. The series covers everything from the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to the influence of hip-hop on the sport. There are even episodes dedicated to the WNBA and the global impact of basketball. Another interesting aspect of the series is how it showcases the evolution of basketball tactics and strategies over time. From the early days of the game, when dribbling wasn't even allowed, to the modern era of high-flying dunks and three-pointers, the series covers it all. Fans of the sport will find this aspect of the series especially fascinating, as they'll be able to see firsthand how the game has changed over the years. Overall, Basketball: A Love Story is a must-watch series for basketball fans and sports enthusiasts in general. Its extensive interview roster and in-depth coverage of basketball's history make it a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved sports. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, you'll appreciate the series' passion for the game and its impact on American culture.

Basketball: A Love Story
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Seasons
Basketball Pass
62. Basketball Pass
February 5, 2020
Basketball Pass
Basketball Hysteria
61. Basketball Hysteria
February 5, 2020
Basketball Hysteria
Golden State Emerges
60. Golden State Emerges
February 5, 2020
Golden State Emerges
Analytically Correct
59. Analytically Correct
February 5, 2020
Analytically Correct
Battles Royale
58. Battles Royale
February 5, 2020
Battles Royale
America's Game
57. America's Game
February 5, 2020
America's Game
The Decision
56. The Decision
February 5, 2020
The Decision
LeBron Enters
55. LeBron Enters
February 5, 2020
LeBron Enters
Size Matters
54. Size Matters
February 5, 2020
Size Matters
Triangle: Kobe, Shaq, and Phil
53. Triangle: Kobe, Shaq, and Phil
February 5, 2020
Triangle: Kobe, Shaq, and Phil
NCAA: Pay or Play?
52. NCAA: Pay or Play?
February 5, 2020
NCAA: Pay or Play?
The Spurs Way
51. The Spurs Way
February 5, 2020
The Spurs Way
The W
50. The W
September 10, 2018
Following the impressive gold-medal showing from the 1996 USA Women's Basketball Olympic team, NBA commissioner David Stern launches the WNBA in 1997 to make professional basketball more inclusive for women.
Pat Versus Geno
49. Pat Versus Geno
February 5, 2020
Pat Versus Geno
The Coach and the Killer: Phil Jackson and MJ
48. The Coach and the Killer: Phil Jackson and MJ
September 18, 2018
Phil Jackson brings outside-the-box thinking and tactics to his role as the coach of the Chicago Bulls. His blend of psychology and the triangle offense is just the formula to get the most out of his roster of big personalities.
Dream Team
47. Dream Team
February 5, 2020
Dream Team
College Coaches: The Changing of the Guard
46. College Coaches: The Changing of the Guard
September 18, 2018
The success stories of Jim Valvano at NC State, Rollie Massimino at Villanova, and Denny Crum at Louisville opened the door for other unique styles of coaching that supplanted the success and star power of their predecessors.
Magic
45. Magic
February 5, 2020
Magic
Air Jordan
44. Air Jordan
September 10, 2018
Michael Jordan takes over the NBA: the building of a player, brand, and a pop culture icon.
Little Big Men
43. Little Big Men
September 18, 2018
A history of small players, including Bob Cousey, Becky Hammon, Chris Paul, Spud Webb, and Muggsy Bogues.
Glastnost: The Walls Come Down
42. Glastnost: The Walls Come Down
September 18, 2018
A look at how the game of basketball became international, starting with coach John McLendon and a later wave of stars. In light of the emerging international talent, the US is unexpectedly beaten at the 1988 Olympics, finishing with the bronze medal.
Born to Coach
41. Born to Coach
February 5, 2020
Born to Coach
Signature Moves: The Mind
40. Signature Moves: The Mind
September 10, 2018
A look at the strangest free throw shooting techniques in the sport's history, followed by a breakdown of the pick and roll, and the art of flopping.
The First Lottery
39. The First Lottery
February 5, 2020
The First Lottery
Contempt: LA vs. Boston
38. Contempt: LA vs. Boston
September 18, 2018
The NBA's greatest team rivalry - fierce on the court and acrimonious off it.
NBA: It's Fantastic
37. NBA: It's Fantastic
February 5, 2020
NBA: It's Fantastic
Georgetown Culture: John Thompson's America
36. Georgetown Culture: John Thompson's America
September 18, 2018
The creation of the Big East conference gave rise to the Georgetown Hoya teams under John Thompson. Led by Patrick Ewing, Georgetown showed its dominance on the court. Off the court, their importance to the black community is explored.
Genius Gene
35. Genius Gene
February 5, 2020
Genius Gene
Don't Call Me Buckwheat
34. Don't Call Me Buckwheat
September 18, 2018
Lenny Wilkens is the consummate underdog. Despite a childhood of poverty, racism and the untimely death of his father, Wilkens fought his way to the top of professional basketball, eventually coaching the Seattle Supersonics to their first and only title.
The First Lady
33. The First Lady
September 12, 2018
Pat Summitt, one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball, is profiled...spanning from her time as a player, to her role as Olympic head coach, to the dynasty she built at the University of Tennessee.
Portland's One Year Dynasty
32. Portland's One Year Dynasty
September 18, 2018
A potential new dynasty arrives with the Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA Finals victory, but continuous injuries to Bill Walton in subsequent seasons derail any future chances of titles.
Tailspin
31. Tailspin
February 5, 2020
Tailspin
Do or Die
30. Do or Die
February 5, 2020
Do or Die
Wild Days: Upsets, Brawls, and No-Calls
29. Wild Days: Upsets, Brawls, and No-Calls
February 5, 2020
Wild Days: Upsets, Brawls, and No-Calls
Deal of the Century
28. Deal of the Century
February 5, 2020
Deal of the Century
General Knight
27. General Knight
February 5, 2020
General Knight
David vs Goliath
26. David vs Goliath
September 18, 2018
The UCLA Bruins dynasty comes up against David Thompson and his NC State team, who finally knock them off and claim a title of their own.
One and Done
25. One and Done
September 18, 2018
The debate over eligibility and one and done started well before John Calipari and the University of Kentucky; Spencer Haywood was one of the first to challenge the rules.
Self Expression
24. Self Expression
February 5, 2020
Self Expression
Oscar and West: Bittersweet Victories
23. Oscar and West: Bittersweet Victories
September 18, 2018
Oscar Robertson joins forces with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jerry West teams up with Wilt Chamberlain on the Los Angeles Lakers. Two of the greatest pairs ever to play together, but even with each victory, their past will haunt them.
Joy or Relief?
22. Joy or Relief?
September 18, 2018
Al McGuire won an NCAA title with Marquette in the last game he ever coached. The game's top coaches debate whether finally winning brings joy, or relief.
Title IX: Immaculata
21. Title IX: Immaculata
September 18, 2018
Title IX gave rise to the women's game at the college level, and the first great team emerged from Immaculata University. Immaculata won 3 consecutive NCAA Titles from 1972-1974 and played in the first ever televised NCAA Women's CBB.
The Eighth Wonder of the World
20. The Eighth Wonder of the World
September 18, 2018
Lew Alcindor, one of the greatest players of all-time, led UCLA in the Game of the Century against Elvin Hayes and the University of Houston. The Houston upset is seen as paving the way for college basketball to be widely televised.
Renegades
19. Renegades
February 5, 2020
Renegades
Rupp's Reckoning
18. Rupp's Reckoning
September 18, 2018
There are endless stories of racism, but also humanity, in the early days of college basketball, including: the era of Adolph Rupp at Kentucky; the integration of the college game at Texas Western; the strength of Charlie Scott.
Tomboys
17. Tomboys
September 18, 2018
Some of the game's greatest female players, including Cheryl Miller, Ann Myers, Nancy Lieberman, and Carol Blazejowski discuss their love of the game and challenges they faced as pioneers of the women's game.
Birth of the Bruins
16. Birth of the Bruins
February 5, 2020
Birth of the Bruins
The Witch Hunt
15. The Witch Hunt
September 18, 2018
A look at gambling in the early days of the sport, and Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins who was wrongly accused of being involved in a point-shaving scandal during his freshman year at University of Iowa.
Brotherly Love
14. Brotherly Love
February 5, 2020
Brotherly Love
Mayhem in Munich
13. Mayhem in Munich
September 18, 2018
The 1972 Olympics will forever be remembered for the tragedy that took the lives of 11 Israeli athletes. That year, the US again faced off with the USSR, in one of the most controversial finishes in Olympic history.
Signature Moves: Discipline
12. Signature Moves: Discipline
September 18, 2018
How some of the greatest in the game mastered their signature moves, featuring Lebron James, Walt Frazier and Dirk Nowitzki.
The Dipper and the Winner
11. The Dipper and the Winner
September 18, 2018
The rivalry between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, including the iconic 1965 Eastern Conference Finals.
ABA: The Red, White, and Blue
10. ABA: The Red, White, and Blue
September 18, 2018
The American Basketball Association becomes one of the first upstart leagues to challenge the dominance of the NBA.
Patriots to Protests
8. Patriots to Protests
February 5, 2020
Patriots to Protests
The Spring of '57
7. The Spring of '57
February 5, 2020
The Spring of '57
Signature Moves: The Feel
6. Signature Moves: The Feel
September 18, 2018
The art of the game and how some of the greatest mastered their signature moves, featuring Chris Paul, Wes Unseld, Diana Taurasi, Allen Iverson, and Earl Monroe.
Scandal
5. Scandal
September 18, 2018
A point shaving scandal in the college ranks almost derails the sport in the 1950s; profiles of two of the first superstars of the sport: George Mikan and Bob Cousy.
Origins
4. Origins
September 18, 2018
The beginnings of basketball are traced from James Naismith to the expansion of the game across the country to the development of college leagues.
The Choke
3. The Choke
September 18, 2018
Latrell Sprewell's 1997 incident with his coach, PJ Carlesimo, sparks a conversation about the relationship between player and coach.
The Teachers
2. The Teachers
September 18, 2018
The best in the game share why they love basketball, and speak about the players they grew up emulating, late nights practicing in the driveway, and how basketball provided a refuge from the realities of life.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
October 9, 2018
Part 1, Segment 1/7: Love of the Game
Description

Basketball: A Love Story is a documentary miniseries produced by ESPN that was released in 2018. It explores the history of basketball and its impact on American culture through interviews with over 165 NBA legends, coaches, and executives, as well as prominent cultural figures such as Julianne Moore, Ashley Judd, and Chadwick Boseman.

The series is comprised of ten episodes, each running between 40 to 60 minutes in length. Each episode covers a different aspect of basketball's history, from the early days of the sport all the way to the present day. The interviews are conducted in a conversational style that focuses on the personalities of the individuals, rather than just their accomplishments on the court.

One of the most interesting aspects of Basketball: A Love Story is how it tells the story of basketball through the eyes of those who played and coached the game. The series features interviews with basketball legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. Their insights into the sport and their own experiences are fascinating to watch, especially for basketball fans.

In addition to the interviews with players and coaches, the series also features commentary from prominent cultural figures, including actors, writers, and musicians. For example, Julianne Moore speaks about her love of basketball and how she became a fan of the New York Knicks. Ashley Judd talks about how her father, a Kentucky Wildcats fan, introduced her to the game. Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as Black Panther, shares his thoughts on the intersection of basketball and African American culture.

One of the strengths of Basketball: A Love Story is its ability to delve into the nuances of basketball and its impact on American culture. The series covers everything from the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to the influence of hip-hop on the sport. There are even episodes dedicated to the WNBA and the global impact of basketball.

Another interesting aspect of the series is how it showcases the evolution of basketball tactics and strategies over time. From the early days of the game, when dribbling wasn't even allowed, to the modern era of high-flying dunks and three-pointers, the series covers it all. Fans of the sport will find this aspect of the series especially fascinating, as they'll be able to see firsthand how the game has changed over the years.

Overall, Basketball: A Love Story is a must-watch series for basketball fans and sports enthusiasts in general. Its extensive interview roster and in-depth coverage of basketball's history make it a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved sports. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, you'll appreciate the series' passion for the game and its impact on American culture.

  • Premiere Date
    October 9, 2018
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (127)