Original subtitles

You're getting better, Ryota. Pulling those moves off now.

Yeah. I'll be a starter.

Oh.

I like that confidence.

Mom, I'll be...

I'll be the captain for this family.

Listen, Ryota.

It's up to us to support Mom, so...

I'll be the captain, and...

and you'll be my cocaptain.

I'm counting on you, Ryota.

If you wanna be a starter, I'm gonna treat you like one.

So let's play.

Stop facing the basket. Don't back up into a trap.

Come on and beat me.

Are you scared? Shake it off.

I get just like that, too. Heart pounding like crazy.

And that's why I work hard to pretend I'm okay.

-Foul! -No, it's not a foul.

What are you gonna do after you fall?

Huh?

Come at me!

Don't hold back!

Good game.

You showed heart.

Don't forget that.

Sota!

Huh?

Let's go again.

All right, let's go.

Hey!

Sota!

Let's go one-on-one.

Sorry. I promised these guys.

But you said we'd play. Just one more game.

We'll play tomorrow, okay?

Then could you at least take me with you?

Nope. You're still too young.

Keep working on your handles. You wanna be a starter, right?

Oh, come on! You said that we could play one more game, didn't you?!

One more game, you said! I hate you!

Stupid liar!

You stinky poopyhead liar! You big poopyhead!

Don't bother coming back!

Here we go.

-Yes! -Whoa.

Pressure defense from the opening tip.

Here!

-Nobe! -On it!

Huh?

-What is it, Ryo? -Uh... uh...

I never thought you'd pull that off.

-Huh? -Two points!

Go for two!

Two points! Go for two!

-Point for point, yo -"Yo"?

Good shot, good shot!

-Go, go, Fukatsu! -Go, go, Fukatsu!

Go, go, Fukatsu!

Go, go, Fukatsu! Go, go, Fukatsu!

Defense!

Man, this crowd is really tough.

How many members do they have?

So they're the elite.

It makes all of us seem like we're just a bunch of randos.

A sister.

-A friend. -And they're a rival gang.

Huh?

Defense!

-Man, we really should've made matching T-shirts like the ones they got. -Huh?

You think we'd ever want to dress like you guys?

Hanamichi, move! Clear out!

Hmm?

It's crazy an amateur like Hanamichi's out on the court in the first place.

-Feels like he ought to apologize for his red hair. -He's a clown.

Open! Open! Open!

I feel like I'm a nervous parent.

-Same here. -Same here.

Cut the chatter! Let's cheer our team on!

Mitsui!

Yeah!

Let's go! Let's go! Mitsui!

Wait, what?

They're playing it safe.

That's fine, though, because Mitsui's on fire today.

Watch out, Sannoh.

Yes!

Good pass.

Damn, well, that's impressive.

Yeah!

-Whoa! -Yeah, the Goliath Dunk!

All right! Back on D! Let's get a stop!

Okay!

Why, you...

If you keep this up, you won't have anything left in the tank.

Yes!

A genius?

No other player in Japan has a first step like that.

Best in Japan?

Wha...?

Incredible.

Or not.

-You gonna play or what? -Huh?

Defense! Defense!

Defense!

Sannoh is basketball royalty.

And they've got the best point guard in Japan.

He destroys guards all over the country.

-Don't back down. -I don't plan to.

I'll go the full 40 minutes against you, if that's what it takes.

Get back! Get back!

-Rebound! -Run, run!

Kaoru!

-You really should've come to the game sooner. -Sorry.

Have a seat right here.

-Thank you so much. Don't sweat it! We're all good!

We're glad you came. We've all been waiting.

Take your time.

Huh?

Keep your eyes on the ball, yeah?

Yeah! Go, Ryota!

One possession at a time.

Nice pass!

That's all right. Go, go!

Keep moving the ball. Make the extra pass.

Keep your focus!

-Nice shot. Keep it up. -Everyone, stay focused.

Ryota's game is extra sharp today, so it seems.

Maybe he knows his mother's watching.

Find your man! Who's covering who?

Go!

Watch number seven. He's on the small side but has promise.

Oh, that kid.

Yeah, Sota Miyagi's little brother. The one who died a few years back.

Ah. He wore number seven, too.

That kid was something special.

And how did it happen?

An accident at sea.

That's not true.

Huh?

Sota's just went off to a faraway island somewhere to live on his own. That's all.

Anna.

I'm so sorry.

Hey.

Ah, man.

Start the second half.

Stay alert. We need that focus from here on out.

I got seven.

-Fifteen. -Six.

Hey!

There's our chance! Go!

-Come on, son, come on! Nice shot. Keep it going.

You can do it!

Hey. I've gone up against your brother before, you know.

Just play them straight up! Stick to your man!

I won't lie-- he just picked me apart that whole game.

Too bad his little brother isn't even close to his level.

Okay, get back, get back!

Nice shot! There you go!

You can do it!

Ryota, break!

Get open!

I got this!

Ryota!

You can do it!

Ryota, you can do it!

-You've got this, boys! -Come on, stronger!

Hurry, hurry! Run, run!

That's too bad.

No comparison.

He is not his brother.

He's never gonna replace his brother.

-Mom? -Hmm?

Just thought I should tidy up in here.

Maybe we should think of moving out of this house.

You shouldn't have to wear the same number just because your brother did.

Let's see if they can change it. Hmm?

But I like number seven.

What are you...?

Don't you come back into this room!

And take that off! You've got your own!

Stop! Get off of me!

Stop it!

He's never gonna replace his brother.

Let's start the second half.

It's in the second half where the real game starts.

Whoa! Sawakita!

-That's a three! -Don't panic. We'll get it back.

Okay.

A press?

Already?

We'll have a solid lead in the first three minutes.

-Miyagi, get out of the trap! Pass it out! -Come on. That's a foul.

Hey!

Oh, no.

It's not looking good.

Ah, again?

-What are you doing? I'm wide open! -Here!

Get off me!

Offensive foul.

Well, introduce yourself to the class.

Ryota. Ryota Miyagi.

As you all heard, this is Ryota Miyagi,

-and he'll be joining us. -What's up with that guy?

Miyagi just moved here from Okinawa,

and I'm sure he'll need a lot of help, so...

You ain't nothing, new kid.

Hey, you!

If you want to bounce that ball around, do it somewhere else!

Keep it down!

-There! -Hey! Hey!

-Show me what you got. Bring it. -Oh, you think you can take me?

-Go in! Go in! -Come on, shoot it! Come on!

You got this! You got this!

-Yeah, yeah, okay. -Get the board.

What's that?

This isn't fair. We're playing three on two.

All right, so go get that guy.

What, him?

Actually, nah. I don't know, man. He doesn't look down.

Whatever. I need a break.

Yeah.

Hmm?

You in grade school?

I'm in junior high.

Showing off won't get you past me.

Take it up a notch! Make me work!

Huh?

What, you giving up already?

If you just play on your own,

all that technique you've got goes to waste, you know?

Mitsui!

We should play again. Maybe try to beat me next time.

Stupid show-off.

Come on, what are you doing over there?! Is someone gonna let me touch the ball?!

Shut up!

Let's build a 20-point lead.

It's their first time here.

That'll break their spirits.

-Almost five seconds! -Get out of there!

Ten seconds! Get it to front court!

What kind of pass what that?!

Rukawa, move up! Help them out!

Count it. And one.

Time-out. Shohoku.

Ryo, what are you doing?

I haven't even gotten my hands on the damn ball once!

Let's take a breather. 30 seconds, boys.

If I were Sannoh, I would continue to play this zone press.

Until it no longer worked.

Or until I had completely broken the other team's spirit.

Let's finish this.

Shohoku can't deal with our defensive pressure.

It's time to crush them.

Yes, sir.

But ours isn't broken.

Mitsui, Rukawa.

-Yes, sir. -Coach.

You two will run point.

-Miyagi. -Sir?

This is your stage.

What about me, Old Man?

Sakuragi the genius!

I want you to head toward the basket.

-And keep running. -Oh, good.

Ryota.

Give me your hand.

Quickly, Shohoku.

Hey, what are you...?

Go out there and act cocky like you always do.

We're up 15!

-Damn it! -They're still going at Miyagi really hard.

-Quit doing that! -Quit it!

Let's go!

-Sawakita, the ball, yo. -Oh.

He's fast, yo.

-Nice drive! -Yes!

Let me show you who's the fastest...

Oh.

...passer, yo.

Yes! He breached the press!

Three-on-two!

Here's where we turn things around.

-Oof! -Oh!

For real?

Mine at last.

Training camp shot... Oh!

Idiot!

-We got it back. -Reset! Get a good shot!

Now.

He got position!

He's too deep under the hoop.

Yeah, good defense.

Nice! You stood your ground!

Whoa! He's good!

Two for Sannoh!

Two for Sannoh! Two for Sannoh!

Can I really beat this guy?

Dunk it, dunk it, Kawata! Dunk it, dunk it, Kawata!

Get him back, Akagi!

Get one!

Defense! Defense!

That new pattern? We saw it coming.

Damn it.

We know this one, too.

No good.

-We're up by 20! -Sannoh!

Sannoh's amazing!

We're down 20.

Okay, okay!

Yeah.

One basket! One basket at a time!

Ichino, check out Mitsui.

Thanks to your first-half defense on him, he's gassed now.

Like a punch to the gut.

I'll give you the shot, yo.

They know Ryota doesn't have a jump shot.

They're sagging off and daring him to shoot.

That does it. Looks like it's up to Sakuragi, the secret weapon!

Get ready, Pole.

"Secret weapon"?

Sakuragi.

-Double dribble. -Huh?

Are you serious?

-What a rookie mistake. Double dribbling? -What are you thinking?

You can't do that!

Hey, if you're clowning around, I'll kill you.

Shut up, ass! I don't want to hear it.

Eight minutes without a basket.

We need to find a way to score.

Here.

Hey, hey!

Do it. Take him!

Damn.

No openings.

-Rukawa, watch out! -Hey!

-They're pressing! -Move the ball, 11!

It's all yours, Big Guy!

We can't lose this game.

Hey!

Travel?

Time-out.

-Good job! Good job! -We're looking good!

An average team like us got this far because we're strong in the paint.

Our big guy plays hard, and the rest of us ride him.

Can we really do it?

Defense! Defense!

Defense is all hustle!

You gotta communicate!

Man. Relax.

-Miyagi. -Huh?

Be more vocal! You gotta communicate!

So speak up.

Come on, next up.

I'm just not the kind of player that does that type of stuff.

Miyagi!

Did you really need to go behind the back on that pass?

Your play is all flash.

Huh?

Blah, blah, blah.

Just smile and nod. You'll get used to it.

It's a quicker pass.

Hmm?

And catches the defense off guard.

I just didn't expect my own teammate wouldn't be able to react fast enough.

What did you say?!

Bad fit. I don't get that guy.

Well, he's got high expectations.

And high hopes, too, for you more than anyone.

Huh?

Sorry about that.

Huh?

Hmm?

Hmm?

He's pretty small, huh?

Is anyone actually counting on that runt?

And here I thought size was important in basketball.

What?

Come on, just go, Ryota.

Hey, Long Hair!

-Huh? -Huh?!

-Let's go. -I'm ready to go anytime one-on-one.

-Dude, come on, let's go. -Just one condition.

You shave your head bald when I beat you.

-Hey! -Get your ass over here!

-Get back here! -Hey! -You better take that back!

That brat.

Norio.

Yeah?

Teach him a lesson.

Sounds good.

Here!

Why can't they get him the ball?

He's wide open.

Hey!

-Damn it! -Nice read!

Loose ball, guys!

-Defense. Defense! -Get back! Get back, guys!

Get me out there already.

They suck.

Acting like he's the only one who came to play.

Yeah, at least it's over.

Well, that's it for me.

Third-years get to graduate, but for the rest of you guys,

it's gonna be a scary new dictatorship.

I feel for you guys.

Anyway, good luck next year, boys.

And you, think you'll make it till summer?

Troublemaker.

Huh?

See? There's that look again.

You think you're better than me?

You and that stubborn ox. It's gonna be a recipe for disaster.

Huh?

It's a good thing Miyagi knows how to pass.

You're overthinking things.

Let your legs decide how you should move a little more.

-Kogure. -Sir?

I'm subbing you in for Sakuragi.

Huh?

Okay. We're starting back up. Come on, let's go, Shohoku.

The old man pulling out a genius like me.

He must be giving up.

Or he's just giving Goggles some burn because it's his last year.

Who does Sannoh play after they win this game?

Oh, Aiwa Gakuin. That sounds interesting.

Is it just me,

or does anyone else think that we can still win?

You're not giving up, Old Man, right?

Giving up, Sakuragi?

The moment that you decide to give up, the game is over.

-Box out! -I'm trying!

Oh! Yes!

-You're subbing in next. Get ready. -Yes, sir.

Their team's got size.

Get the board!

Right there.

Suppose it was you who caught that rebound. What would happen?

Yamaoh loses their confidence?

Not quite.

First, Sannoh loses their opportunity to transition back into offense.

And Shohoku gains another chance to score in the same possession.

In other words...

...a potential loss of two points

is replaced by a potential gain of two points.

Do you understand, Sakuragi?

One rebound is worth four points.

If you can give us that, you become the key to getting us back in the game.

Draw the ball in. Draw the ball in.

I've focused all my energy. Sakuragi, it's yours.

-Me too. -Huh?

-Draw the ball in. Draw the ball in. -Yeah. Me too.

-Me too. -What are you guys talking about?

The hell's going on there?

I can't believe you guys.

This is the kind of thing only plebs would come up with.

That's fine with us. We are plebs.

You think you can catch rebounds with feelings?

When, Old Man?

I've been waiting too long to get back in the game.

Hurry up and sub me in already!

Hanamichi.

Why bring in Sakuragi when they're down this much?

He's a rookie. He can't hit any threes.

Good luck, Sakuragi.

Wait, Goggles.

Hanamichi.

Been waiting for you, troublemaker.

Let's tie the game up, amateur.

"The moment you give up is the moment the game is over," right?

Dude!

You think it's time to play around?!

-What... what do you think you're...

What are you doing? Get down.

That idiot.

"I'll defeat Yamaoh!" By Sakuragi the Genius!

Learn how to read!

What's with this guy?!

-Get down from there! -Get him out of here!

You moron!

I'm sorry.

He started playing four months ago and doesn't know any better.

If he does it again, he's getting ejected.

What do you think of that?

Huh?

Now we've got no choice but to win.

What's with that look, Goliath?

Are you thinking we can't win this game or something?

What do you...?

You can't just talk about Sannoh's lead like it's nothing.

What?

You idiots.

It's not like what's common sense to you in basketball means a damn thing to me.

'Cause I am an amateur.

Now get out there! And try to keep up with my genius!

What are you waiting for, ref?

-Give me a break! I'm sorry. I can't hear you!

Hey, you guys!

You've gotta cheer us on till we win!

Don't let this crowd drown you out!

"Till we win," huh?

-We've still got a chance! -There's plenty of time! -Let's go!

Not good. That idiot shot the ball before I got a good position.

Damn it!

Got it!

Yes!

Yeah!

That bastard.

Yeah!

The second half score is 26 to 2.

But as a team, they're not that much better.

The momentum will flow back our way.

If we're within ten points when it does, we'll have a chance.

-Huh? -Akagi, help inside!

-Yes! -Ryota! -Let's go!

Guys, focus!

It's up to each of us if we want to turn the tide!

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Damn it.

-Three. -Go in!

-Not this again. -Psych.

-All right. -Sakuragi!

Hanamichi.

You see that?

Wow, he actually listened to you.

Well, the truth is that Sannoh more or less gave us those last two.

Besides, I put Sakuragi in the game for a reason, and it wasn't only for rebounds.

What?

All right, now let's cut their lead down to the teens.

You got it.

Let's go, Shohoku! Push now, Shohoku!

Let's go, Shohoku! Push now, Shohoku!

Defense! Defense!

Damn it.

Come on. Big Guy, pass it!

No way that's going in.

I knew it!

That height.

But also...

...that fast?

How is he...?

Hey, Red, I'm impressed.

Pass, Hanamichi!

National champions...

Charging! Offensive foul!

Here you are. Boom, boom. All alone. Boom, boom.

Here you are. Boom, boom. All alone. Boom, boom.

Here you are...

Believe me, you're better off staying down on the floor.

No one will blame you.

You tried your best.

You had no chance anyway! No chance at all!

You always think you're the only one who can ever be right.

Don't you?

Your championship dream-- always pushing it on everyone like that.

It's really annoying.

There's something I've been meaning to ask, Akagi.

What's the view like from way up there?

What even are we to you?

You okay? Need to switch?

I'm fine.

That's right. My wish...

has already come true.

Huh?

Sounds like Goliath's back. 'Bout time.

Kawata is Kawata. You're you.

Akagi is Akagi.

And I'm...

Red's ball.

One shot!

Bring it.

This guy's running on fumes.

Kawata's Kawata.

-Akagi's Akagi. -Huh?

And as for me...

Who am I?

-Are you even trying? -Shut up!

Go ahead and say my name.

I want you to say my name.

Move.

What is this, some kind of comic book?

Didn't think this ever happened in real life.

I don't like those crooked eyebrows of yours.

And I don't like that long, silky hair of yours.

Now I want you to say my name!

Mitsui.

He can barely walk.

Look! We're down less than 20 now!

Hey, Miyagi.

Use me.

Use you?

Akagi...

he'll set a screen for me.

Then I'll get open.

If they shut down my three-pointers, I've got nothing left.

Here!

Yeah!

Mitsui!

Right now, all I can see is the rim.

Come on. Offense comes from defense.

Right? We're on defense, yeah?

How's he...? He looks completely gassed.

Don't worry, Matsumoto. Let them keep shooting it.

They're persistent,

but three-pointers are easy to defend.

Whatever you drop, we'll be there to pick up.

Get in there!

That's not going in.

See?

Rebound!

You got something to say?

We're just getting started.

Hey!

-Why, you... -Take that little freak.

Don't get any ideas!

-Grab him! -You punk!

Time to bleed.

Damn it!

-Punk. -You ain't nothing!

You bastard.

Take that!

What are you doing? Grab him!

-Hey! -Mitsui! -Why, you...

-Hey, whoa, whoa! -Get off him!

-Come here! -Let go!

You little....

What's this?

Like trash or something.

My heart was pounding like crazy.

Wh-What happened? Ryota!

Wh-- Tell me what happened!

Damn it.

Damn it.

Damn it.

Damn it.

Damn it.

Ryota?

Ryota!

Mom, he's waking up.

Ryota, how do you feel? You okay?

You're in the hospital right now.

What? Where?

The hospital. You wrecked your bike in an accident.

Right.

You know, I got to see Okinawa.

Huh?

What the hell did you think you were doing on that thing?!

The doctor said you're really lucky to be alive.

Can we please slow down a bit?

What are you talking about? You're a former All-Japan athlete.

Oh. Is that you, Ryota? When'd you get here?

Look at you. You're all grown up.

Long time.

Grandma, who is this guy?

Oh, and who's this?

Sota, that's so cool!

Come on!

Ow.

Aren't those guys pros?

Nah. High-schoolers.

Three-time national champs.

Sannoh, the unstoppable.

Sannoh...

Is that the school you're gonna go to?

Hmm?

Hmm.

There.

That looks much better. Don't you think?

In one, two, three, four...

In four years...

Repping Okinawa, it's prodigy Sota Miyagi!

He goes up! Oh, look out!

It's a double clutch!

Game over! He's beaten the unstoppable Sannoh!

I'm sorry, Sota.

What am I doing?

I just... All I ever do is piss off Mom.

If you were here...

-Oh! Go! -Keep going! -He did it!

Intentional foul. Sannoh number four.

A flagrant foul?

What?

Yes.

Nice steal.

Huh?

What's with that hair?

Hold on. Don't tell me you're coming back.

I don't want to hear it.

I guess I'm no good at giving up.

Seriously?

This is the turning point.

If we can take advantage of this chance, we'll still be in this.

Otherwise, we don't deserve to win. Got it?

Let's cut their lead to ten.

Yeah!

I think they're finally getting into a good rhythm.

Fukatsu's the best point guard in Japan.

And him and me are gonna be matched up against each other.

Look at me. The one who people call the speedster.

All I do...

...is second-guess myself.

How so?

You don't do that when you pick fights.

Fukatsu's been in Sannoh's starting lineup since his first year.

And I've got to match up with him.

Isn't that perfect? You're the speedster after all.

My heart's pounding like crazy.

Really? You could've fooled me.

You always look so in control.

You know, you're not a bad point guard yourself.

Not quite Kanagawa's number one, though.

Though I have to say, you're not number two, either.

Okay. You-you made your point.

Let's think of a way you can settle yourself down if things get tough.

It could be anything.

What should you do?

Something like...

...checking the palm of your hand.

I think playing the full game seems to be wearing Miyagi down.

Ryota, get it in there!

Be careful! Throw it straight and don't miss!

Shut up! You're distracting.

-Yes! -Yes. Yes!

Don't worry. He's gonna be fine.

Yes!

-Ow! -Nice one!

Hey. -Yes.

Screen! Switch!

The Goliath Dunk!

Ten more to go!

Kawata.

Huh?

Is Kawata covering the Red-Head?

Whoa.

Kawata, no one's ever kept me from catching rebounds like this.

No one but you.

Damn it.

What's that smile on your face?

"Gimme everything you got, you bald ogre."

Whatever, man.

Sakuragi was providing all their momentum.

-Rebound! -Got it!

Oh, no. My bad.

Bald ogre!

Oh, no! It's Sawakita!

Good close-out, Rukawa!

No, you don't.

Oh?

He swatted it out!

Get that lame pass the hell out of here! What are you asleep, fox?

What'd you say?

Hey, liar.

What?

All that talk about becoming the best in Japan,

and you're gonna let that bald punk walk all over you?

Hey, I'm talking to you!

Back on defense, Sakuragi.

Hey.

That all you got?

I'll crush you.

Wouldn't that be cool?

Switch!

-It's Kawata! -He's mine!

Huh? He's still on me.

Yes! Charge!

I screwed up!

-Yeah! -Only down eight!

Kawata shouldn't have had anyone on him.

Shohoku, huh?

Letting these rookies run roughshod, it's gonna cause us problems, yo.

Just comes down to whether or not we can keep those two in check.

When they score, we're gonna score back on them.

Three times for every one.

Just pass to me. I got it.

-Aw, shut up! -Come on, guys!

-Hang in there! -You have to get one stop, right here!

Keep the ball high!

Get back, get back!

Take this.

-Go! -Do it!

What the hell?!

That's what we've been waiting for!

How's he my age and this good?

He must have done nothing but play hoops for 17 years.

Then again, so did you, right?

-Clear the lane! -No.

Fukatsu!

Pass it!

Nice cut!

Sawakita!

Stupid fox!

Ah! That weak floater again?

There it is, there it is!

Lucky shot!

You wanna be the best player in Japan, Rukawa?

Shut it.

You can do that.

Once I'm out of the country.

Aw!

Go!

Cocky little...

Get back here!

Yeah!

I've done all there is to do in high school basketball.

There's nothing left for me to prove.

Please give me the experience I need.

If there's anything more out there...

let me experience it.

-...six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

Three hundred.

Nice. It's even.

It's okay. You know you can't beat me one-on-one, Rukawa.

That was amazing. He stuffed Rukawa's shot so easily.

It's not over.

Hey!

Rebound!

Sorry, Red, I can't let you go up.

First, keep him on the ground.

Getting the ball can wait.

Oh!

What's wrong? Giving up already?

Not even close.

Come on, take him! You're the ace!

Gotta protect the ball.

Count it!

And one!

Damn it.

Damn it to hell!

That cocky bastard. They say he's the best in Japan.

I can't believe he's a second-year like me.

I'm gonna rub it in his face when we kick their ass.

-Yeah, same here. -Figured.

You know, this might be the first time we've ever talked.

It's been a good game, huh?

Yeah.

That was a good game.

Shohoku's a decent team.

Hey.

Our starters out there, they're going up against some tough players.

So this bench, we've got to do our part, too.

Huh?

Yes!

Why doesn't he get it yet? Sawakita can't be beat.

What is it, Rukawa?

It's a deadlock. He's stuck.

Rukawa, six seconds!

It's almost 30 seconds.

Only four seconds left!

Where's he going?

That counts.

Yeah!

Coach?

He passed?

Rukawa passed.

Our Rukawa passed.

He actually passed it.

That was the right play.

Go in.

Damn it.

-Pass it. -Hmm?

Damn it!

Rukawa's finally in the zone.

He's starting to play different now.

All right, then. Go all out, Rukawa.

Not this time!

-All right! -Yes!

Yes!

You tried pretty hard to stop me.

Even though I can't raise my arms right now.

Damn it. I know he's way past his limit already.

Three and a half minutes left.

Down 13.

Gotcha.

Charge it!

-Keep going! -Come on!

Come on!

He can't shoot!

Still got one more?

Be quiet.

This sound...

brings me back to life every time.

Yes!

Only down ten!

Who are these guys?

What's going on?

They don't quit.

-Nice! -Yes!

-Gotta make this next one count! -Yes!

That's my....

-We cut it to eight! -Yeah!

Erasing their lead in under three minutes is possible.

-Nice! -Try smiling a little.

There's still a chance for us.

Goliath.

He'll get by Rukawa again.

But he won't pass.

'Cause he's never lost that way.

Damn it!

Whoa!

There! You see that?!

The genius's plan was right on the money!

-Almost two minutes! -Down eight!

It's our ball!

Hey, you're still good, right?

-You got this! -Yes! -You can do it!

-One point at a time! -Yeah, bring the heat!

Does this guy ever get rattled?

He hit it off me!

Please.

Don't give up. Don't give up.

Mitsui, move!

Referee time-out.

Uh-oh. He's not moving.

Hey.

Sakuragi.

He did a pretty good job for a lousy player.

Who the hell you calling lousy?!

You're still alive?

Of course I am!

Can you play?

I can play.

Shohoku, you can do it!

-I know you can! -This possession is huge.

-Shohoku! -Who was that?

-You got this! -Shohoku!

-Shohoku! -Shohoku, you can do it!

-I know you can! -Come on! Shohoku!

-Show us what you got! -Shohoku, you can do it!

How many times do we have to knock them down?

Come on! Let's make some more noise!

What was that?

Take him!

Right!

-A fadeaway. -Get in!

It's off.

I got--

Okay, one more.

Even if it's tough,

even if my heart's pounding like crazy,

I have to work hard to pretend I'm okay.

Idiot. Am I still rattled by Kawata?

Hey, if you can't keep up...

...you need to take a seat on the bench.

It's number 11!

Will he drive? Or pass?

You're forgetting something.

He did it! -A three-pointer!

Time-out. Sannoh.

-Yes! -That was amazing!

-Five more points. You can do it! -We're two possessions away.

Ah, crap. It's getting worse.

Did you hurt yourself somewhere, Sakuragi?

Nah, just tweaked my back.

Where in your back? How much pain?

I just feel it a bit here and there. I'm fine.

This could end your whole career, you know.

Stop running scared.

This is it.

We've gotta keep it up. Can you still run?

I can't lift my arms.

Good. Then I'll pass it to you.

Old Man, we can pull this off, right?

Of course we can.

Your contribution, Sakuragi, has been your rebounding ability as well as your guts.

Miyagi gives us speed and court vision.

Mitsui used to bring chaos but now brings reason and sharpshooting.

Rukawa gives us explosive power and a drive to win.

All of these elements have been added to the foundation

that Akagi and Kogure have built and supported this entire time.

That is what defines Shohoku now.

-Go for it! -Shohoku!

None of us are particularly good friends.

-All you guys do is piss me off. -Huh?

But still...

What is it?

Nothing.

Just thank you.

Huh?

-Nobody's doing this for you! -I'm doing this for myself, yeah?

-I'm doing this so I can win. -That's right. This is for me.

Get on the court.

All right, morons.

Let's do this!

Yeah!

-Go get 'em! -Yeah, go get 'em!

Oh, no, we've got a mismatch.

He's too calm.

He should be feeling the pressure from us.

Kawata's open!

Take that!

That's right. Don't forget who they are.

The unstoppable Sannoh.

-Nice one! -Fukatsu! Kawata!

Zone press!

Ryota!

Domoto...

We won't just try to defend the lead.

We'll keep scoring till the very end.

After all, that's the style of play these players specialize in.

-Miyagi! -Ryota!

Ryota! Break through! You can do it!

Want a small piece, Mom?

Yes, please.

Of course.

Since I'm skinny, I'll take more.

What'd you say?

Nothing.

Here. I saved the best for the MVP.

And why is yours bigger?

'Cause you get to eat the message.

Not many brothers have the same birthday like we do.

That means we're special, you know.

What time tomorrow?

Ryota, what time are you leaving tomorrow?

For the nationals in Hiroshima.

Six o'clock.

That early? Hey, Mom, he said he's leaving at six o'clock.

I can't believe you're 17 now.

What's that make Sota?

Wha-- Hey.

I think... 20.

Yeah, if he was alive.

20 years old...

But always three years apart.

Even though Ryota's been older than he was for a while.

Why don't we put up a picture of Sota?

I'll forget his face.

It's been eight years.

Yeah.

You're 17 years old.

Happy birthday.

Appreciate it.

Nice, Sota!

Sota, nice!

"For Mother"? What's this?

Dear Mother,

I'm sorry that all I do is cause you problems

and that I'm always inconveniencing you.

I know you probably hate basketball...

since it reminds you of Sota.

But despite that...

you never once asked me to quit playing it.

And it meant a lot when you came to watch me play in the junior league.

That counts.

All right, Sota! Way to go!

That's like 20 points already.

Your brother's amazing.

Yeah. He's the captain, right?

Will you take after your brother?

Of course he will.

As long as he keeps practicing.

In a world without Sota...

basketball was the only thing that kept me going.

Thank you for letting me keep playing.

Stop it! Why are you throwing them away?!

Mom! Something's wrong!

I don't know.

What am I supposed to do?

I'm glad I continued to play.

Tomorrow, I'm going to be standing...

in the place...

where Sota was supposed to stand.

Mom, what are you doing?

Keep going. Keep going.

You're being too stiff.

What are you, tired? More like this.

Yeah, I know. Keep it up. Keep it up!

Damn it.

You lost your touch, yo.

What am I supposed to do, cornered by these giants?

Go.

Go.

Ryota, go!

Dribbling...

is how short guys survive.

-Yes! -Nice drive, Ryota!

Defense! Defense! Defense!

That's it.

Get in there!

No basket. It came after the foul.

All right, we're counting on you, Akagi! Focus!

It's number four's free throw.

It's my free throw, Sakuragi.

No basket? Bunch of crap.

That slam dunk was genius.

And I was gonna take you down someday, Rukawa.

-No, wait. Hold on. I'm not switching out. -I'm subbing in.

All right, come on.

He hurt himself going after that loose ball earlier.

Wh-- Hurt where?

Ayako, no. Don't say it.

His back.

It's his back?

My basketball career...

Could it be...

Does this mean it's over?

That I can't...

That I can't play basketball anymore?

Do you like basketball, Sakuragi?

Yeah, I love basketball. I love all of the sports!

You're her brother?

Place it there.

I'm boxing you out.

Yeah, that's it!

This is your final shot!

The left hand supports it...

The Rebound King's national debut!

Yes.

-Nice. -Nice.

Hanamichi.

We've been waiting for you, troublemaker.

Damn it.

Damn everything.

-Sink it. -Get it in there.

Akagi.

Yes!

I'm going back in.

Hanamichi.

-Wait up! -Sakuragi!

-What do you think you're doing? -Sakuragi.

Sakuragi.

Ryota, I'll be right there.

Till then, guard the basket, Goliath.

Hanamichi Sakuragi, you're being absurd. Come here!

See? You can barely stand up straight.

-Sorry about that. -No substitutions.

Hey, Old Man!

Sakuragi.

I have to admit something.

I realized immediately that something wasn't right.

While I was aware of it, I left you in.

It was ultimately out of my desire to watch your game improve bit by bit.

I've failed you as a coach.

If I had allowed this, it would be something I would regret

the rest of my life.

One minute to go!

Let's cheer them on, Sakuragi!

When were your glory days, Old Man?

Back during All-Japan?

For me...

For me, it's right here, right now!

That's a foul. Pushing.

Hey.

You're a real eyesore standing there with that blank look on your face.

If you're gonna play, then play. Asshole.

Substitution.

He's gonna play?

Ah, it's the Red-Head!

Go raise some hell! Come on! We've been waiting!

Hanamichi...

Are you okay?

Sakuragi!

Hmm? What's with these serious faces?

I guess it felt kind of hopeless out here without me, huh?

This is the perfect handicap for a genius.

Yamaoh is making this a fair game.

Let's win it all, Goliath.

These guys are just a checkpoint to the finals!

What makes you think I need the worst one here to tell me that?

What'd you say?

Hey!

Come here.

Okay, guys. Those guys will use a zone press again.

They'll aim for me.

Rukawa, when they blitz me, take the ball.

If you see an opening, go for it.

Okay.

Big Guy, you gotta keep him safe.

Got it.

Listen.

We can do this.

Big Guy.

Huh?

One, two, three!

Win!

-Yeah! -Bring it, Sannoh!

Go!

Okay.

Come on.

They're really trying to tie things up!

They're looking to erase a five-point deficit in one minute!

All right, Shohoku!

-You've come this far! -Take it all the way!

What are you talking about?!

Don't lose to these nobodies! -Show them who's boss!

Defense! Defense! Defense!

Out?

They know. They're targeting him.

Idiot.

Mikio, shoot!

Get out!

Good! That's it!

He faked?

Count it. Three points.

Foul. Number six. Pushing.

One free throw.

Good job hanging in there, Mitsui.

Yes! -We can do it!

I'm so glad I came to Shohoku.

Okay.

It all comes down to willpower now.

Let's stay focused, yo.

How true they can stay to themselves.

And how much faith they have in their ability to play.

Go!

-Back of the line! -Come on!

47... 46... 45... 44...

Get a stop! Don't let Sannoh score!

You can do it.

You can do it, Sakuragi.

Miyagi.

Rukawa.

You can do it, Mitsui.

You can do it, Akagi!

Dunk it!

That's mine.

Stop him! Stop him now!

It's over.

Yes!

Yeah!

So Sannoh... What did you think?

They were really strong.

They were scary.

Ryota...

Wh-Wha...?

Welcome back, Ryota.

I'm back home.

Have you grown any?

Huh? Of course not. It's only been like four days.

It's Sota's.

Ryota!

Welcome back!

Hey! What are you...? Wait, whoa!

Get in the water!

Hey, stop.

-You're going down! -Hey!

You're the one who chose violence!

Let's get back up.

You'll eventually find there's an important benefit

to facing a loss like this.

Please give me the experience I need.

So, what would you say the biggest difference is

from playing back home?

Well, the physicality.

Everyone here's as big as Kawata.

Right.

So what will be your focus?

I'm short, so I'm gonna play point guard, too, but there's a lot to learn.

I keep getting ahead of myself.

I really appreciate you coming down here.

Defense!

-Hey. -Hey.