Original subtitles

[ball bouncing]

Right back. Right back.

[soft music]

Heads up.

[keyboard tapping]

So, you can see, we've let a bunch of people go,

anything to save money.

Good, buy as much time as you can.

It's about all we can buy right now,

and even that is in short supply.

You still might pull it off.

How many women can say they ran their own internet startup?

Wish I had your confidence, Bob. And your money.

You've got plenty of our money.

Just don't tell your investors to take a flying--

I never said that!

[sighs]

It's ironic isn't it?

The whole idea behind "first-person-dot-com" is

to find someone who can solve your problem.

Too bad it isn't up and running, maybe it could solve yours.

-Erica-- -Ricki.

Bob, you've known me for two years.

Ricki, you said you were gonna form a team, minimum.

Someone who could deal with people.

You invested in me, Bob, not a team.

Nobody invested in the Bill Gates team,

or the Steve Jobs team.

You backed me, because it was a great idea,

and you thought you could make a lot of money.

You know, you're even better looking when you're angry.

Bob, you believe in our idea,

you've seen how far we've come,

we just need a few more weeks.

I'm not unsympathetic and it's still a great idea.

But, it wasn't like you couldn't sell out.

At three times?

That's a bullshit offer, it should've been ten times.

We might have landed somewhere in between.

Anyway, we made a request in writing,

you never responded.

Of course I did.

By telling us to wait?

That's the same telling us fuck off.

For the record, I didn't use those words.

What? What are you thinking?

Honestly?

I was thinking about you, naked... in bed tonight.

Maybe we can work something out.

Bob,

why don't you just go wait.

[sighs]

[soft piano music]

What I love about computers?

I don't have a lot of friends, but like,

my computer's always there.

[phone rings]

Where have you been? I know you have other clients.

They're gonna shut us down,

can they do that, legally?

[sobbing]

That's five years of my life.

I put up my house, everything.

Shit, I gotta go.

No, I think... I think David's finally gonna propose.

Yeah, I'll call you later.

Bye.

[sobbing]

[grunts]

[sighs]

You wouldn't happen to have a million bucks?

[both chuckle]

So, what did you want to tell me?

I'm moving out.

I've been thinking about it, a long time.

Who's the lucky girl?

You're never home till two in the morning.

You're not around on weekends.

I know your work means everything to you,

but you're like... you're not there.

It's gonna change.

You know they have support groups

for families of entrepreneurs.

Most entrepreneurs have never had to work for anyone else.

They've never known what's like to have to answer

to someone, most just do whatever the hell they please,

and they wonder why their spouses divorce them,

the kids resent them, people call egomaniacs.

David, please.

You are the smartest person I know,

and probably ever will, but when it comes to people...

you don't have a clue. I want to be happy.

I want you to be happy too, Ricki.

You want to know how clueless I am?

I thought you were gonna propose.

Miss Ross?

You've just been served.

Have a nice day.

[breathing heavily]

I'm being sued...

[shakenly] for everything.

[gasping]

[retching]

[soft music]

[Ricki] So lesson learned, don't put up your house.

Six months ago, my backers wanted me to sell,

and I said no way.

Got sued into a payment plan,

had to move back with my folks.

Can't get new investors. Can't get a job. It sucks.

Clyde Forester, Forester Group.

I liked your, candidness.

You must like sob stories.

I like initiative. We're beefing up our consulting,

give me a call.

[fast tapping]

[phone ringing]

Hey, group lunch, gonna come?

I... I brought mine. Got a lot of work to do.

Sure, next time.

She never comes, what's the problem?

[door opens]

Not now, Ricki.

-Paula... -I gave him your message twice,

he's door is closed all morning.

-I emailed, voice-mailed-- -Come on,

you're not still running your own company.

Play on the company basketball team,

doors open around here, it's like magic.

Okay, here's a new message,

Promaster's a mess, I can fix it.

Let me know when the boys club is out of the tree house.

[sighs]

[loud thump]

[engines revving]

[playful chatter]

[ball bouncing]

[laughs nervously]

[soft music]

[playful chatter]

Morning, capitalist pig.

Another workers of the World Unite speech today?

How about support your fellow man?

I'm sorry, was that sexist?

By the way, you look shitty, more so than usual.

Must be all that surplus labor they're squeezing out of me,

all that profit.

[laughs] Right.

I'll be safe when the workers own the means of production.

Joke, but capitalism is still cruel and heartless.

-Chews you up and spits you out. -Not this capitalist.

Oh, and besides,

the workers already own the means of productions,

they're called stock options.

Thank you for the lesson in political economy.

So, what is it with this mindless quest

for a filthy luker ?

It's the American Dream. Who wants to be a millionaire?

Behind every great fortune lies a crime, Balzac said that.

-Greed is good. -[scoffs]

Michael Douglas said that, he married Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Hey, Victor.

[clapping]

Next time, send me an email.

I wanted to make sure you had read it.

I'm aware of the situation, thanks.

Victor, I was thinking,

eighty-inch screen for the break room, no?

Sure, Mark, we'll put that on the agenda.

Oh, by the way, new schedule's out.

We will win that championship this year.

Go, team!

I.T. is highly influential.

Little known fact.

[paper crushing]

So, what's the beef?

I need to integrate more with the group,

and I don't play basketball.

Don't let that get in your way.

I heard you're a terrific player.

What Kool-Aid have you been drinking?

I'm on the wagon, although good B. S. can be highly effective.

You're a people-person.

Be what you need to be.

And don't forget to back up your data, comrade.

[laughs]

What a dick head.

[knocking] [laughing]

I like hoops. Is this like a guy thing?

Wow, I've never been asked that question.

You play?

Three brothers, yeah.

Really? You ever beat them?

When I can.

Interesting, I'll get back to you.

You free tonight? We need a player.

Sure! Yeah, great.

Main gym, six sharp, be there.

Fax this to Promaster.

Got game?

And fax.

[ball bouncing] [shoes screeching]

[floor squeaking]

[grunts]

Hey, we're gonna get a drink, coming?

I'm gonna pack it in.

Your choice, see you tomorrow.

-Good night! -See ya!

[guys laughing]

[cellphone rings]

Hi, mom. Hi, Dad.

Honey, we haven't heard from you.

I'm not married, pregnant or dead.

That's a relief, how's work?

Work is work.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just a little tired from basketball.

Boys play tonight?

Just... me and some guys from work.

Since when do you play basketball?

I don't!

Can we talk about something else?

Sure, did you get our itinerary?

You want me to check on the house.

That would be great.

Yeah, I just don't get it.

You don't get what?

You kill yourself working your whole life

so you can go sit on a boat for six weeks?

It's a cruise.

When you make some money, you spend it the way you like.

Thanks Dad, really sensitive.

Your father didn't mean it that way.

You sound tired honey. We'll let you get some sleep.

Love you.

[indistinct chatter]

I sucked.

Is that why they're laughing?

No, but I hear you get better with practice.

Don't you need to be at some

anti-capitalist rally or something?

What's wrong with this one?

I discovered I'm really good at personal fouls.

You want to get into the boy's club,

at least go down swinging.

♪ I'm black on these streets ♪

Hi sweetheart!

♪ I'm Nino in these streets ♪

Hey, come holla at me for a minute, little mama.

♪ I'm Fred Lucas In these streets ♪

At least say hello. Can't even say that, huh?

[grunts]

-Miss, what are you doing? -Practicing.

You sure is ain't no cop? Cop not even that bad.

[sighs]

Is that supposed to be an insult?

No, it's just... this is our court.

We play here every day.

What, do you reserve it or something?

Yeah, with a... with that guy, Sherman,

down at the park district.

Have a good game.

Come on!

[Ricki coughs]

[exhaling]

You used to have to pay to see that.

Every day...

like clockwork.

I have to miss Mad Money.

That bad?

Depends on the market.

Ricki.

Max, nice to meet you.

[laughs]

Those guys, they don't own the courts.

I saw you working on your free throw,

you've got just as much right.

Shows over!

Kramer calls!

[Ricki scoffs]

Morning!

Promaster needs to make a decision by close of business.

They're coming in to see what we've got.

So, what have we got?

You have something?

I emailed it.

I'll have to check my spam folder.

Killed a tree.

[sighs]

You're going to present this.

I'm not really dressed for it.

Then get dressed.

Whatever I can do.

You know the players, let's do this.

Yes!

[guitar music]

Sorry, it always does this.

It kicked you out and won't let you back in?

How'd you know?

I hope you don't mind, I rang myself up.

I'm kind of in a hurry.

[laughs] Bye!

Do you like it here?

You like us?

You personally?

I don't give a shit if you like me or not,

I'm talking about the team.

Yeah sure.

You don't show it.

You know that you saved our ass,

which, makes what I'm about to say all the more difficult.

We lost Roger the other day, talented guy,

but... not a team player.

That rugged, individualist crap is a load of horse shit.

I don't need glory boys, I need a winning team.

The team, didn't save Promaster.

This time.

That's why I need you to integrate more with the group.

I ask you to work with Tommy, together.

We all need to mesh.

Like a well-oiled machine.

Exactly!

I have seen way too many geniuses screw it up

because they think they can do it all, on their own.

We don't need any more Rogers. If you want to be a rock star,

join a band.

Even Mick Jagger gets a solo.

A solo is a solo, it's not a concert.

I know everything, about you.

You screw this one up,

there are no second chances.

The one job you're gonna get, asking people

if they want their check.

I didn't break any laws.

Worse you lost money, a lot of money.

And you're making it up,

every month, out of your own...

-Check. -I'm aware.

Clyde Forester, he gave me one year to turn around consulting.

When your C.E.O. gives you a job, you do it.

Not enough... to carry your own weight around here.

Everybody on the team needs to help the other guy too.

So, you're either on the team...

or you're off the team.

What'd you do that for, girl?

I suck.

No reason to get angry. Just try again.

Come on, let me see your moves.

What moves?

Yeah, your moves are whack.

[Lucas laughs]

Natural born talent, humble too.

Look, aim for the backboard, okay?

Follow through, aim for the backboard.

[laughs]

Come on you gonna keep shooting up bricks

if you don't practice.

Even Derek Rose practices.

You think too much.

Follow through. Aim for the backboard. Relax.

-[laughs] -There you go. Free your mind,

and your shot will follow.

Okay, thanks.

Hey, lesson over already?

Gotta get to dinner, moms get worried.

I'll pay.

For what?

Lessons.

I never gave no lessons.

You just did.

That shit.

-You a girl? -Yeah, Ricki.

Lucas.

[police siren wails]

[radio chatter]

-You guys live around here? -What's up officer?

Got I.D.?

This an election year?

And when did that ever have anything to do with anything?

You're okay.

You guys got I.D.?

The alderman against basketball?

We're just playing a friendly game.

-You can ask Sherman. -And who's Sherman?

Guy down at the park district where you reserve the courts.

And these are your friends?

Yeah!

That's Lucas, Jamal...

Tyrone, and Devon.

Go ahead, play your game.

[laughs] All right.

-You're the man M and M. -[Ricki chuckles]

Hey, tomorrow,

at six, my lesson?

-That's some crazy shit. -Maybe.

Tomorrow?

You gonna pay?

All right, half now, half later.

-Tomorrow. -I gotta cancel a date.

What?

Twenty now, 20 later.

No way.

You want a 20 dollar lesson or a 40 dollar lesson?

Ya know, I'm just trying to make sure you show up.

I'll show. Just make sure you do.

Or what?

You gonna come to the hood looking for my black ass.

Let me give you a twenty-dollar lesson.

Stupid white girl gives a complete stranger

twenty-bucks for nothing.

Hey! Yo!

I was just messing with you. [laughs]

Look, line up on that free throw line,

aim for that spot.

Make three in a row.

you can go.

[orchestral music]

[humming]

-What? -You're humming.

[indistinct chatter]

I thought we said six.

I'm here.

I've been waiting here for almost an hour.

-You want your money back? -No!

What's with you, girl?

Where were you?

[sighs] I was waiting.

For what?

Shooting to stop.

Some gangbangers shot up the block.

Serious?

The cops came,

but they usually wait till all the bad guys are gone.

And I thought I had a bad day.

[laughs]

[laughs] Come on.

Yo, basics.

Basketball is a team sport. Say it.

Basketball is a team sport.

Making progress already.

You're my teammate.

I got your back, you got mine. I rely on you, you rely on me.

[grunts]

What just happened?

You threw me the ball, I caught it.

I passed you the ball.

I need help, I pass to you.

You need help, you pass to me. We work together.

Right.

The team can do more than any one player.

Basketball, team sport, work together, repeat.

Basketball, team sport, work together, got it.

We'll see.

Late.

I got to practice.

You practice enough. I've been watching.

I'm the one missing Kramer.

Yeah, life's a bitch.

[coughs] [laughs]

Too strong, eh?

Cuban. A friend of mine gets them for me.

This will sound strange but,

I can't look at lingerie, without thinking about my dad.

He wasn't one of them.

He had a company, sold to all the department stores.

I see it and it's like, waving a little flag in my face.

Heads up!

Welcome to the neighborhood.

[glasses clinking]

Okay let's see what you got.

Nice. Reality check.

You're ain't never gonna be the tallest, quickest or strongest,

so what you gonna do?

You're smart, you got moves.

Except, don't let people know it.

Put on your game face.

Scary!

[laughs]

Except, more like this.

Smile more too.

People gonna think you don't got spirit.

What?

You smile, people think you happy about something.

People think you got game.

What should I be happy about?

Girl, you got it made. You educated, right?

You got a job, right?

You white, right?

[laughs] Yeah.

That's your game face.

[laughs]

Let me show you what to do.

[grunts]

There's another game next week, if they ever let me play again.

You know, you don't suck so bad.

Thanks Lucas, coming from you.

You just got to show your stuff.

So, what kind of date you had to cancel?

-Girlfriend. -Nice.

No, just in case you were wondering.

I wasn't. [laughs]

What's her name?

-Tisha. -That's a pretty name.

Yeah, she's dope. No, maybe you'll meet her.

I'd like that.

You got a boyfriend?

Used to.

So, what went down?

It's like hip-hop, what's that all about?

Like One Direction... what's that all about?

[laughs] I'm gonna give you some tunes,

make you a hip-hop fan, okay?

Thanks, I'll bring One Direction.

Oh, let's pray for a miracle.

♪ I remember this Like it was yesterday ♪

♪ When we were Sitting up in them bricks ♪

♪ We were sitting up On that porch ♪

♪ Your mama said that I ain't Gonna be sh... ♪

♪ I told you one day I was gonna be famous ♪

♪ I told you I'm gonna go again ♪

[loud thump]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[keys jangle]

Sticky lock?

-Good morning! -Good night.

-Yo. -Yo.

-Yo, what's up? -Nothing.

Nothing but some fine white ass.

You teaching her or is she teaching you?

[sighs] What the hell you'd just say, man?

-I'm busy. -You a busy man.

-Talk to you all later. -We'll see.

What was that?

-Jealous. -Of what?

-You. -Me?

Sorry ass losers.

They just assume sell you a bag of shit.

So, I'm just easy money.

Ain't so easy. [laughs]

Let's run some ball.

♪ Girl, show me what you got ♪

♪ Show me what you got Show me what you got ♪

♪ Show me what you got Show me what you got ♪

♪ Show me what you got Girl, show me what you got ♪

[grunting]

♪ I got game I got game ♪

[grunts]

♪ I got game I got game ♪

Come on!

Okay, okay, okay.

♪ See what you're made of See what you're made of ♪

There we go!

♪ See, I got next See I got next ♪

Oh! Come on!

[cheering]

-Moms wants to meet you. -Your mom?

Told her I was teaching some sorry ass white girl

how to run ball.

She thinks maybe I'm dealing.

Why?

Bought her a new dress.

-A new dress? -It was her birthday.

So, your mom thinks you're dealing unless I come to dinner.

Mom's a real good cook.

And if I don't come?

I'm gonna have to talk to the reverend.

He gonna want to talk to you too.

So, how do I come off as a sorry ass white girl.

Just be yourself.

[both laughing]

Amen!

So, Lucas says you work downtown?

That's right.

What kind of job you need to play basketball?

-Unc? -What?

We play after work, it's a team-building thing.

Helps with office politics.

So, you all have a coach like Lucas?

Just me, I think. I never played much basketball.

So, what sport you good at?

Tennis, I'm pretty good.

Oh, you got one up on Lucas,

cause Lucas ain't never played no tennis.

How you know, fool?

You ever play? And don't call me fool, fool.

No, I never play, you don't know all about me.

I know you're not Venus and Serena's brother.

Boys!

Lucas thinks there's hope for me, I'm not so sure.

More than hope, she's getting good, mama.

You're a good teacher.

-More chicken? -Thanks.

Make good money at that job?

Emry!

She's giving the boy 40 dollars a lesson.

I do okay.

-Any black folks there? -Emry!

-I'm just asking. -Sure.

-You got a place for my Lucas? -Unc?

You think those basketball lessons gonna last forever?

What are you gonna be?

Flipping burgers or getting shot by some gang bangers.

That's enough!

Someone's got to speak up for the boy.

I can speak for myself

So, what do I got to do?

-I'd listen to my mom. -I like that girl.

He's going to college.

Let the boy make some money, get some experience.

He's my boy and he's going to college, that's settled.

I ain't taking a hand out from that church,

I ain't no charity case.

That scholarship is not charity, it's opportunity.

And if you get it, and I pray every day you do,

that money is going straight to school.

I don't see that you have a whole lot to say about it.

He's going to college or he's going to meet the Lord,

whichever comes first.

Should have just talked to the reverend.

Don't sweat it.

[car honking]

-Good night. -Good night.

[sighs]

She paying me forty dollars, just to run some ball,

and you all acting like she the spokesman for all white people.

She don't owe me.

You embarrass me in front of my friend.

[door squeaks open]

Hey!

Hey! The other morning...

thanks again.

You're welcome.

I was pretty wrecked.

Got any weed?

I do.

[coughing]

Are you okay?

I'm sorry, God.

Sorry.

I guess that was a bad idea.

I'm Sindy, with an S.

Ricki with an I.

Nice to meet you, are you sure you don't want?

I'm good with this.

I got Jell-O shots too.

I don't know. [laughs]

Come on! There's always room for Jell-O.

[cellphone buzzing]

[groans] Shit.

I hope there's a latte in there.

Just a back-up drive.

Rough night?

Can you have a Jell-O hangover?

Just green.

They let one of your staffers go so you get to use theirs.

-Who? -Ask.

-Thanks. -Don't thank me.

Thank that capitalist system, and no job security.

At least we have data security.

[laughs] So how was dinner?

His uncle's a piece of work.

It's gotten way too complicated.

-Because of his uncle? -No, because of me.

[sighs]

I told you, I'm not a people-person.

So, become one, no man is an island.

I'm a rock, I'm an island.

Touché , though I believe he was using irony to make a point.

So, what's First-Person-dot-com?

A giant shit-storm.

That's not what I heard.

I heard they just ran out of money.

Like the Titanic ran out of life boats.

How did you end up here?

Poor judgement, bad decisions, lousy people skills.

[scoffs]

Backers wanted to sell me out, and I told them to take a hike,

in so many words.

In case you haven't noticed,

the only staffers with a future here

are the ones who play with Victor.

How long you think you can keep telling people to take a hike

in so many words?

Play their game, because it's the only game in town.

[Lucas] Unc just lives off his benefits and drinks.

Forget it!

Could have went pro, but he stepped on a landmine,

ended his career.

-Wow, that sucks. -Yeah!

-What about that scholarship? -Never got it yet.

But if you do?

Like I told you, I don't take handouts.

A scholarship isn't a hand out.

It's competitive, you've to earn it.

I don't need help from nobody.

No one's saying... look,

I'm just a sorry ass white girl, but

-if there's anything I can do. -You don't owe me.

I just thought, you know, we're like teammates.

You help me, I help you.

That's basketball, this is life.

Exactly!

[sighs] I don't need your help.

Okay.

-Let's run some ball! -Damn straight!

You never wanted us to meet any of your other friends.

He had me over, I wanted to do the same.

But you don't live here anymore.

I just wanted him to meet you, as crazy as that may sound.

I can check our schedule, it's just a question of time.

Is there something about this friend

you're not telling us?

We play basketball, he's really helping me.

Oh, that, uh, team at the office?

Yeah, but it's kind of extracurricular.

That's a good way to meet people.

Get you away from that computer.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about him?

What did you think I was going to say, that he's...

boyfriend?

[laughs]

So, that's it, discussion's over?

Your mother told you.

I can't believe, can't you just once--

You know, I resent that.

I offered to pay your legal fees,

get you financing.

I don't want your money.

It was good enough to put you through Harvard.

You don't think I appreciate that?

You know, I was always proud... of you.

Even though we hardly ever saw you.

You just don't get it.

[sighs]

I'm thinking about business school.

What? You went.

It's not something I'd brag about.

I just want to make a lot of money before I die.

I wanted to make a lot of money,

I just want something else now.

Now I see how you've been spying on me.

Exactly!

I got to get me a place like this.

-You rich? -Just the opposite.

You ain't poor.

I'm a bust, you know the world.

Too young for all of that, what's your dad do?

Retired, sold his business.

What kind of business?

Just a business.

Your dad in the mob or something?

No, women's stuff.

-What kind of stuff? -Lingerie.

-Lingerie? -Yeah.

-No shit! -[laughs] No shit.

[laughs] That's cool.

How come you never talk about it.

Just don't.

Shit, if my dad did that,

everybody in the hood would be on me.

[scoffs]

He probably be coaching my little league,

take me to all the ballgames.

You must have had a good time with him.

He was always at work late or away on business.

We were at the park one day,

and my little brother, he was maybe four,

he picks some flowers and he says to my mom,

"Maybe if we sell these,

daddy won't have to work so hard."

[sniffles]

You see him now, your dad?

Little league's over.

What about your dad?

Never saw him.

Do you want to?

He don't want to see me, I don't want to see him.

After moms had me, she found Jesus.

Then Unc came moved in with us.

And he's kind of like a dad, him and moms fight a lot.

That's hard.

He don't believe in God.

Said he saw some stuff in the army that

no God would ever allow.

Someday, I'm going to move out like you.

[knocking]

Thank you.

If I've being paranoid, I'd think they were trying

to wear me down with all this filing crap, make me quit.

Hang in there!

How's the coach thing?

[sighs] Awesome.

Who's the mystery man?

No mystery, you want to meet him?

Find the file yet? Been working on it long enough.

Almost done.

Hey, I heard you guys played the other night.

Yeah.

I can't believe you played with that bad ankle sprain.

What, painful, how did you play?

It's not a big deal, it's okay now.

You were awesome the other night at that pick-up game though.

We keeping secrets now?

Just wasn't sure if I was ready.

Play next week, keep you posted.

-Whoa? -Too much?

Now I'm on you, now I'm on you.

[grunts]

Hey, there it is!

Hey, this is Lucas. Lucas, Mark.

-Nice to meet you. -You clean up well.

Well, if I wasn't raking it in as a T.A.,

I couldn't afford to be in I.T.

-Funny! -Yeah!

It's my theme song.

If I don't get that teaching position,

I may have to spend the rest of my life

swapping out hard drives.

-When do you find out? -Any day now.

Uh, napkins, I'll be right back.

He got it for you.

No way.

Why is he here?

To meet you.

Trust me, it's a second sense.

Sixth.

Second, right after free throws.

How is it you know so much?

It's a gift, like slam dunk.

Where's your girl?

Home, with a cold.

Are we gonna meet her?

Yeah, any day.

You guys talking about me?

Just free throws and slam dunks.

Napkin?

What?

This is where I get off.

-Night. -Later.

See ya. [laughs]

-Nice guy. -Yeah.

So, I'm trying to figure you out.

You are, good luck!

You started your own company, for money?

At first.

There's this incredible satisfaction

from creating something yourself that didn't exist.

-You realized your dream. -And someday?

Dreams can be expensive,

and so far, I haven't missed a payment.

Someday?

Someday I will find patient investors,

make fewer mistakes,

and care less about the money.

Nobody in my family ever had any money, so,

I guess I really don't know any better.

You're lucky.

My folks taught high school.

My brother, sister, and I were rich in conversation.

I like conversation, mister Rockefeller.

Good night. [laughs]

[sighs]

-Nice night. -It sure is.

You sound happy.

Few people are.

Hey, play tonight? Loman has to go to Philly.

♪ Make the game Game, game, game, oh yeah ♪

♪ Make the game, game Game, game, oh yeah ♪

♪ Baby, you want to be Representing ♪

♪ Baby, you want to be Representing ♪

♪ Lady Ballers ♪

[Ricki] I got it.

♪ You get some too ♪

♪ Get tripped to the hoop By a lady baller ♪

♪ Shot-caller got Smooth moves on the court ♪

♪ Put your game to the test ♪

♪ Cause I'm the best Representing lady ballers ♪

♪ And nothing else Lady Ballers short and tall ♪

♪ Let me see you work that ball Ladies all around the world ♪

[game buzzer rings]

[all cheering]

[clapping]

Where did you learn those moves?

I picked them up.

I want to learn the one where you spin.

-Sure. -Badass, Ricki.

[glasses clicking]

Hi, guys.

-Hey, Ace! -Hey!

I'm sure we have a better seat for our new teammate.

♪ Get up ♪

♪ Get up ♪

Aren't you gonna ask me how I played?

-How'd you play? -Awesome.

They're asking me about my street moves.

You the man.

What?

-Nothing. -Come on.

What are you gonna do when this is over?

Get your raise, get your promotion.

Still gonna play?

Sure, if you want to?

If I want to.

Who's asking, you or your uncle?

I'm just thinking about my future.

Then do something about it.

Your mom wants to get you a scholarship,

your Uncle wants to get you a job,

-you don't want anybody's help. -I don't need it.

We all need it...

no man is an island.

What the hell are you talking about?

You got a chance to make something of yourself

and right now, it just looks like you're gonna be a loser.

I'm a loser?

No, I'm not the one paying

because I ain't got no friends to practice with.

The hell with you!

The hell with you too!

I'm an island, you're an island.

Call me a God damn island.

[dramatic music]

Hey, Ricki, free for lunch?

My choice today?

[footsteps approaching]

I didn't know you went in for modern art.

I don't, great racket though.

You're looking well, thanks for agreeing to meet.

My attorney insisted, thank him.

Ricki, meet Frank Harrison.

Bob told me all about you.

[laughs] No, it's all good.

Aren't we playing your team in the championship?

[laughs]

As much as I'd like to kick Forester's ass,

that has nothing to do with this.

Mister Harrison has agreed to extinguish your debt,

which would please me and all of the investors who lost.

What's wrong with the payments you're getting?

It's court-ordered.

Yeah, well... it's a bit like water torture.

This way, we get our money sooner.

What really interested me was First-Person-dot-com.

I want to recapitalize you and no offense to Bob,

but I think you'll find us a little more patient.

This sounds too good to be true.

A government contract is out for bid,

it means tens of millions of dollars to whoever gets it,

we want information.

-You want me to spy. -I wouldn't call it that.

-What would you call it? -Wait!

Before you tell us to wait again,

Forester has poured a ton of money into consulting

trying to get to the big leagues.

[sighs] He's on the bubble.

That's news to me.

He's certainly not going to brag about it.

We made an offer,

buy him out for nothing,

and assume the debt, which is substantial.

That's not terribly compelling.

Maybe not, but it sure beats a slow death.

You play ball you can save your job and everyone else's.

And if I don't?

We withdraw the offer.

It's a pity.

The company's worth more alive than dead.

How do I know this isn't all bullshit.

[laughs] I think you just have to take that chance.

[sighs]

Well, what's your answer?

I'll get back to you.

[sighs]

Hey!

I did it. I applied to B school.

Why did you do that?

I just want to be rich, is that so bad?

Behind every great fortune lies a crime.

And behind every line of bullshit lies more bullshit.

Come on, aren't you gonna congratulate me?

It's a big step?

Congratulations.

I hope you get what you want?

What is it?

It's Lucas.

He never saw me play and...

now it's a mess.

That sucks.

Cheer up.

Forget about it.

Uh, I gotta go.

[phone ringing]

So, tomorrow,

-game day! -You coming?

I don't know, you think I should?

There's some good stuff on T.V.

Actually, I'm working the scoreboard.

[laughs]

Is Lucas gonna be there?

[sighs] I don't know.

It's kind of complicated,

what would a people-person do?

Look in a mirror.

[sighs]

[Lucas] Yo!

What's up?

Trying not to suck so bad.

You got your work cut out.

I got your message.

Trying not to suck so bad.

You got your work cut out.

[laughing]

Let me see what you got.

[sighs]

You got game, girl. [laughs]

I had a good teacher.

I never taught nobody before.

Never asked nobody for help.

No one's keeping score.

When I'm ready, I'll ask.

Deal!

You knew I'd be here?

You got a championship, don't you?

Tomorrow, you coming?

Damn, I got that One Direction concert.

Oh, yeah. D up!

[door squeaks open]

[sighs]

You got a guy?

-Kind of. -Sounds promising.

[laughs]

Why don't you play the field?

That's what I did.

When I was your age, I had six girlfriends,

one for each day of the week.

-But there's-- -No, never mind.

Even God rested on the seventh day.

You must have had a lot of fun.

Fun? I was miserable.

I thought I was happy, but the truth is, I was pathetic.

Here I thought I was a... another Valentino,

me with my six girlfriends.

That doesn't sound so bad.

It doesn't sound so bad?

It's the reality that's terrifying.

And just to think about it, it's exhausting.

-But you were young. -Young, listen,

you could be an Olympic Champion.

Six different dames, six nights a week. [laughs]

Wow.

Wow. Wow. You think you got problems with one guy?

Think about six, even Casanova had his limits.

(laughs) So which one did you marry?

Now wait a minute!

You think I would marry a girl that's going out with a guy

that is going out with five other dames?

I married someone, respectable.

Sixty years.

Four children,

fourteen grandchildren,

-two great grandchildren. -Congratulations.

Credit, I only take for the four children.

Actually, half credit.

My Sadie...

she deserves the other half.

A year she's gone, last April.

-I'm sorry. -[sniffles]

She was a wonderful person.

She taught me the meaning of life.

When I met her I was a nudnik,

I had no awareness of anyone but myself.

Frankly...

I was a selfish schmuck.

You're laughing huh? But it wasn't funny.

What happened?

What happened?

I fell in love.

Nice.

Yeah. I've graduated to two screens and iPhone.

Impressive.

Lucas came by, we talked.

I guess I'm more of a people-person than I thought.

Scary.

Break a leg.

[knocking]

Hey, champ. Ready for tonight?

-Tonight... tonight? -[Victor laughs]

-Oh, funny. You know Clyde? -Sure.

Wanted to wish our team luck for tonight.

Thanks.

I started reading your business plan.

I hear I should read it too.

Great.

We like to back our team players.

By the way, a victory tonight would be especially sweet.

Since we're playing our biggest competitor?

Not just that, but Harrison, their C.E.O. and I

went to B school together.

He's always had it in for me.

Can we talk?

-My door's always open. -I mean now.

[pop music]

Remember, don't believe everything you hear.

-I'm glad you told me. -We're a team, right?

You got it.

What are you gonna do?

I'm gonna take care of it.

[shoes screeching]

You guys see that player on the other team?

I swear he's ex all-American.

Practicing your street moves?

You bet.

Let's see what you got.

Guys, let's bring it in.

So, a year ago,

Clyde Forester told me to turn this unit around,

we we're nothing then.

But now, we're a team.

We're making money and people are starting to take notice.

I told Clyde that I want to get out of the basement,

and up to the top floor where we all deserve to be.

We win this game, and we get a well-deserved bonus too.

So, let's go out there and let's show Clyde, and everybody else.

Let's do this, on three. Team, one, two, three!

Team!

[cheering]

Got your back. Got your back. All right guys.

One, two, three... win!

[cheering]

Let's go! Let's go!

♪ Yeah, shoot, yeah shoot ♪

♪ Tell that boy I got game Tell that boy I got game ♪

♪ Every day is a game ♪

♪ Tell that girl you got game Tell that girl you got game ♪

♪ I'm so icy, I'm so icy Like a blade in the game ♪

♪ Tell that boy I got game Tell that boy I got game ♪

♪ Got your girl clapping And screaming ♪

♪ Like the ball in the game ♪

♪ Tell that boy I got game ♪

♪ I only know her name ♪

♪ To the right To the left of your game ♪

[cheering]

[hip-hop music continues]

I don't know, man. I don't know, bro.

I don't think we can cancel. Oh, God.

What's good, fellas?

[cheering]

Let's just go, can we leave?

Yeah, yeah. Leave, man.

-All right, let's go. -Come on, man.

[cheering continues]

Don't mess with the bag, man. Not the bag!

Don't mess with the bag.

Let go of the bag. Get off me!

[loud gunshot] [game buzzer rings]

[sirens wailing]

Can you call?

Shoot!

Yeah, way to go! Whoo!

[cheering]

Let's go, let's go! Come on, come on!

Here we go, here we go!

[Ricki] Back.

[grunts]

[cheering]

[solemn music]

[sighs]

[cheering]

[inhales deeply]

[sighs]

[cheering continues]

Hang tight.

[door opens]

What are you doing?

I gotta go.

Are you crazy, we have a game to play.

I can't explain, you wouldn't understand.

This is the God damn championship.

Everybody is counting on you.

Forester's out there.

Our new offices, bonuses, everything is on the line.

If you leave right now,

you know you're walking out on the team.

Think about it,

it's a career move you're making here.

If you walk out that door, you're finished.

You'll be making biggest mistake of your life.

You will be unemployable,

you are committing career suicide.

Let go!

-Where is he? -I.C.U.

You going?

In a bit.

They don't... want me.

All I ever did was care for that boy.

You must too come all this way.

Thinks the world of you.

All he ever talks about is Ricki this, Ricki that.

[sobbing]

They must've knew he had that money.

God damn gangbangers!

God damn!

See they think I'm just... I'm not.

I want to give this to him.

Come on.

No, no. Not like this.

You give this to him.

It's all I got.

I'm so sorry.

Paging Doctor Benter. Paging Doctor Benter.

Tough kid, we just have to wait now.

Get some sleep, come back tomorrow.

I'm staying with my baby.

Well, I'll tell them to bring some blankets.

Thank you doctor.

-This shit's your fault. -Trey!

He's dying 'cause of you.

-Shut up, Trey. -What do you know?

-I know you got a big mouth. -Oh, yeah?

None of this shit would've happened if you hadn't had him

running for your raggedy ass, dope-dealing friends.

Look, you better shut your mouth.

What do you mean, lookout?

-A lookout means, lookout. -And snitch means snitch.

He was giving me lessons, right?

Yeah, he was giving you lessons.

You got your lesson girl.

-He should've shot you. -Trey!

[sighs]

It's from his uncle.

[dramatic music]

Has that guy been in? Mark and the basketball group?

You're too late.

He just left with that girl, Paula.

Mark?

You didn't hear it from me,

off the record, that other guy Victor, lousy tipper.

Get you something?

-Kamikaze's are a buck. -[sighs]

Taxi's here.

-Taxi? -We're closing.

[metal clanging]

You don't have to meet him now.

[whispering] I wouldn't want you to anyway.

[whimpering] You're not even home.

[sobbing]

Go, take a cruise. Go, take a God damn cruise.

[laughing] [glass shatters]

Hey, keep it down out there.

I am down. I am a rock.

And a rock feels no pain.

[sobbing]

[sirens tolling]

[alarm buzzing]

I had to wait 'till the bank opened.

-I'm an expensive date. -[laughs] Very expensive.

It's all right. I got collateral.

We won?

Yeah, those street moves you got them doing really rocked.

When you pay me back.

I acted like a complete idiot.

What's new about that?

I guess you must really hate me or something?

What?

Last night,

you and Paula?

You know,

you don't act like a complete idiot,

you are a complete idiot.

Paula's gay.

What?

-But the bartender said... -Said what?

That we left together? It was late, I put her in a cab.

Why did you call me?

[sighs] I'm a sucker, you got that right.

No, no I just...

I'm sorry.

Not bad, for a capitalist.

Can't blame yourself.

He wouldn't have had the money.

We're not all powerful.

No.

I don't know.

-You should go to work. -Wait.

Your collateral.

I don't deserve it.

Take it, you worked your ass off for it.

[sighs]

Hey, champ congratulations.

I was a little hasty the other night.

I deserved it.

Didn't know about your friend,

you should have said something.

[soft beeping noise]

Hey.

Yo.

[scoff]

How ya doing? They treating you okay?

I've got something that belongs to you.

You two talk.

We're going to get some coffee, want some?

No, thanks.

They just told me about Bobby...

Jamal.

I am so sorry.

He liked you.

He liked how you stood up for us that day.

He could never get over that. [scoffs]

The guys that did this...

were they paying you?

Don't tell me you never did something you weren't proud of.

Every game we played, every lesson,

you were the look out.

I got the idea from you.

The day the police let us go, they loved it.

Anyways, they don't give you much of a choice,

as you can see.

You were playing their game.

Lessons were over.

I told them to get somebody else.

You told them that?

That's why I got here, told them to take a hike.

[sighs]

I need to go to the restroom.

[coughs]

Remember that time you tried to help...

I'm ready now.

[grunts]

Keeping up your game.

Called you about your business plan.

Forester did too.

We want you to lead it, big time, no hard feelings.

You know his lawyers are going after Harrison,

even though we got the government contract.

What do you think?

It's a promotion, a raise.

Hell, I won't even be your boss anymore,

how good is that?

Bigger office, window, couch, top floor.

Not to mention your bonus.

The offer stands, think about it, Ace.

Sure could use your outside shot.

I'll get back to you. [grunts]

You know, for a sorry ass white girl,

you don't suck so bad no more. Still suck, but not so bad.

[laughing]

I'm going, Governor's State,

church scholarship.

Unc's not too happy, but moms is.

Gonna put on my game face.

[laughing]

Hey!

-Yo. -How you feeling?

As good as I'm looking.

Guess who I just ran into.

-Give that woman a raise. -And a promotion.

Any takers?

I told him I'd get back to him.

I got an offer... in Boston.

Congratulations, you must be pleased.

Yeah.

It's all good.

Forster called me personally,

he wants to do my business plan.

We're calling it, People-Person-dot-com.

And, I can open an office wherever I want.

We'll see.

I'm gonna have to fly you in.

[clearing throat]

Excuse me, which one of you is Ricki?

Yeah.

You have a lot of explaining to do.

Who are you?

I'm Sherman.

[laughing]

You know the meaning of life.

You're gonna find out.

[pop music]