Ep 3. The Choke

Basketball: A Love Story season 1 episode 3, "The Choke" explores the moment in basketball when everything changes. The episode delves deep into the pressure of the final moments of a big game and what it means for athletes and fans alike. From Michael Jordan's infamous "flu game" to Tracy McGrady's heartbreaking fourth-quarter meltdown, viewers will witness the emotional highs and lows of the sport.

The episode also examines the psychological effects of choking, with interviews featuring athletes and analysts alike, who lend their insights into the mental and physical toll of the game. The episode feels almost cathartic in its description of the incredible pressure these athletes face.

"The Choke" then shifts focus to the 1994 Western Conference Finals Game 7 between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns, where a young player named Nick Anderson missed a crucial four free-throws that ultimately cost the Orlando Magic the championship. The game became a defining moment for Anderson and serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when the pressure becomes too much, and the mind becomes overwhelmed.

The episode also offers an inside look into the mindfulness techniques that some athletes use to cope with the pressure. One professional player recalls visualizing himself in a park, surrounded by all of his friends and family while he's shooting a game-winning shot. For him, it was a way to stay grounded and remember what was truly important, even in the midst of a high-pressure situation.

Viewers are also introduced to the world of betting, which goes hand-in-hand with the high stakes and big moments of basketball. It's a world that few know intimately, but many participate in from afar. The episode delves into the intricacies of point spreads, and how they impact the game's outcome, as well as the psychological effects for those betting on it.

As the episode progresses, it becomes more and more clear that the pressure of the game doesn't just impact the athletes, but it also affects the fans. One interviewee remembers how her entire family was devastated after a final-second loss in the NCAA tournament, to the point where they couldn't leave the house for days.

Overall, "The Choke" aptly captures the incredible highs and crushing lows of basketball, and in doing so, provides emotional insights into the heart of the game. It covers both the anxieties and joys of the sport and shows how sometimes winning doesn't tell the whole story. The episode is a must-watch for any basketball enthusiast or anyone who wants to feel the pulse of what makes this sport so electric.