#6273
Mentioned in 4 episodes
The breaks of the game
Book • 2009
The Breaks of the Game offers an unparalleled glimpse into the gritty, high-stakes world of professional basketball during the late 1970s.
Through the lens of the Portland Trail Blazers' 1979-1980 season, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Halberstam explores the intense pressures faced by players, coaches, and team owners as they navigate the emerging complexities of the NBA. The book includes fascinating profiles of legendary superstars Bill Walton and Kermit Washington and delves into broader societal issues such as race, class, and the evolution of basketball from a sport to a commercial spectacle.
It provides a deep understanding of the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges that define the lives of professional athletes, backed by rigorous research and insightful analysis.
Through the lens of the Portland Trail Blazers' 1979-1980 season, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Halberstam explores the intense pressures faced by players, coaches, and team owners as they navigate the emerging complexities of the NBA. The book includes fascinating profiles of legendary superstars Bill Walton and Kermit Washington and delves into broader societal issues such as race, class, and the evolution of basketball from a sport to a commercial spectacle.
It provides a deep understanding of the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges that define the lives of professional athletes, backed by rigorous research and insightful analysis.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 
Bill Simmons as the best sports book of all time, capturing the state of the NBA in the late 70s and early 80s.
Bill Simmons as the best sports book of all time, capturing the state of the NBA in the late 70s and early 80s.
103 snips
The NBA’s Danger Cycle, Plus Usyk Is Invincible, ‘Landman’ Can’t Lose, and Chalamet Will Win the Oscar With Chris Mannix and Chris Ryan
Mentioned by Bill Simmons while discussing his basketball book's epilogue, which included a visit with Bill Walton.
Bill Simmons while discussing his basketball book's epilogue, which included a visit with Bill Walton.15 snips
RIP Bill Walton. Plus, Minnesota Avoids a Sweep, a Towns Semi-Redemption, and Best Backcourts With J. Kyle Mann.
Mentioned by Bill Simmons as a book that played a seminal role in his teenage years and influenced his writing style.
Bill Simmons as a book that played a seminal role in his teenage years and influenced his writing style.
The Ringer: Bill Simmons
