Slam!

Slam spends the weekend shooting for his film project and playing basketball at the local YMCA. One guy Slam plays with, Kenny Stith, played professionally in Italy, and his uncle even played a small stint in the NBA with the New York Knicks. Kenny explains that being talented enough for the NBA isn’t enough. He describes a particular type of desire needed to reach that level, saying that distractions of any kind can get in the way. Kenny compliments Slam’s skills, making Slam feel good about his potential. Slam sees Kenny leave the YMCA with a woman and a child and assumes that they must be his family. Slam decides that when he gets to the NBA, he won’t have a family to distract him, although he later reexamines this decision and thinks he does want a wife and at least one child. When Slam calls Mtisha to ask for a second chance. She says she’ll consider it.

Back at school, Slam’s math teacher, Mr. Greene, hands out a math test that will count for 25% of the final grade. Slam is lost looking at the problems, doing his best to try to earn partial credit to at least get a passing grade, but he struggles with many of the questions. After the class, several kids talk about how easy the test was, though Slam silently disagrees, and he feels badly about himself for struggling. Latimer’s next game versus St. Peter’s comes, but Slam is still not starting. The game begins, and Latimer takes an early 6-4 lead.

At halftime, St. Peter’s is ahead by 10, 32-22. In the locker room, some players wonder aloud why Slam isn’t playing. Coach Goldstein pulls Slam aside and tells him to stop showing off during games. Slam thinks Coach Nipper is still mad about being shown up in their one-on-one game, but Goldstein reminds him that no one can argue with what he accomplishes. With Latimer down 42-30, Nipper finally puts Slam into the game, and Slam immediately goes up for a slam dunk. Despite his electric play, Slam continues to butt heads with some of his teammates, including Jimmy. During a timeout, Nick gets angry with Slam, but Ducky joins in on Slam’s behalf. They cool their heads temporarily, and with 30 seconds to go the score is tied at 51. After Slam knocks the ball away from his opponent, Nick grabs the loose ball, gets fouled, and wins the game for Latimer at the free throw line. After the game, Goldstein tells Slam he won the game for them. He also tells Slam that he got a 34% on his math test, which is a problem. Goldstein warns that Slam has to get his grades up. Outside, Jimmy and Ducky are arguing, while Nick tries to intervene. Ducky gets into it with Nick, and Slam pulls Nick off Ducky. Mr. Tate shows up, and the fighting stops. Ducky says it won’t help the team if the fighting continues and he plans to call Nick later to apologize.

Slam goes home unhappy, especially upset about his math score. Mtisha calls to ask about Grandma Ellie, and Slam uses the chance to apologize for kissing Kicky. He tells Mtisha he loves her, and it seems like she’s warming up to him again.