Overview
- Director: Andrew Zuckerman
- Writers: Andrew Zuckerman & Dillon Orth
- Genre: Sports Comedy/Satire
- Elevator Pitch: “Mighty Ducks meets Uncut Gems.”
- Logline: A youth basketball coach has a terrible day.
Synopsis
PAT (40s) wakes up to a sex worker, CINDY (40s), in bed with him, and missed calls from his ex-wife. He rushes to get ready and explains to Cindy that he needs to get to his son's basketball game, as he is the coach. While he scrambles to pay, his dog eats his wallet. He leaves an upset Cindy with a promise to complete her payment the next day. Pat picks up his son, ZACK (10), from his ex-wife, SOPHIE (40s), at the home they used to live in together as a family.
After they arrive at the gym, Pat is greeted by TOM (40s). Tom talks trash to Pat and points out that his son, LIAM (10), is taller than everyone and the best player on the court. Shortly after, Pat receives an angry phone call from CHESTER (40s), the owner of Cindy’s escort service. Pat is then confronted by an over-the-top helicopter parent, MARY (40s), who complains about her son’s playing time.
The game begins: Pat’s team (the Knights) versus Tom’s team (the Tigers). The Tigers jump to a quick lead, led by Liam. The Tigers also start to bully Zack because he is short. As the game continues, Pat tries not to pay attention to Sophie and her fiancé, JEFF (40s), who have just sat down in the bleachers. Mary’s son begins to hit the “griddy” after the Knights score their first basket, so Pat benches him. This prompts Mary to yell at Pat. After Pat yells back, Mary spreads a rumor that he is drunk. Cindy then enters the court to confront Pat. They have a heated exchange in the hallway, where Pat now begs to pay the next day.
Shortly before halftime, Zack is knocked to the ground by Liam, who taunts him. Zack runs off the court in tears. Pat sits down with Zack in the hallway after he shoos Jeff away. Zack explains his frustration with being short and subsequent fear that he’ll never have a girlfriend. Pat talks Zack through it and gets him pumped up for the second half. As Pat takes a moment in the hallway, he is abducted by Chester and one of his cronies. They throw him in a van, where Cindy sits in the passenger seat, and drive him to an ATM. Back at the gym, everyone wonders where Pat is. With pressure from Tom and the referee, the parents must choose a replacement coach: Jeff. Meanwhile, the men and Cindy have leY Pat at the ATM, so must he run back to the gym.
Mary and her husband call the league commissioner in the hallway as Pat approaches the gym doors and vomits. Pat reenters the court and interrupts the start of the second half. An argument between the parents and Pat ensues. Pat gets emotional before he leaves the gym. Once in the hallway, he emotionally breaks down to Sophie about his difficulties since their divorce. In the gym, the Knights players refuse to play unless Pat returns to coach. Sophie convinces Pat to return and speaks out against Mary. Pat reclaims his spot on the sideline.
The second half begins, and things look up for the Knights. They surge into a comeback, which enrages Tom. Liam reports that his stomach hurts, but Tom forces him to stay in the game. A fight breaks out amongst the kids which results in rejections for both Liam and Mary’s son. With the Tigers’ best player out of the game, the Knights continue their comeback.
Seconds remain and Zack tosses up a game winner – which is blocked by Tom. Pat rushes onto the court and punches Tom, who punches Pat back and knocks him out. Sophie kicks Tom, who falls to the ground. Other parents join in, and a brawl ensues. Later, outside of the gym, Pat talks with Sophie, who thanks him for being a great father. After they say their goodbyes, Pat and Zack head off to lunch.
