I am a 70s baby, born and raised in New York City when New York City was real.
It was tough, honest, hard, critical, supportive and protective.
We had neighborhoods and played outdoor games. There was no internet or social media, and playing indoors for hours was a non-starter.
You wanted to be outside, especially in the summer, because that’s when the City Game came alive.
And that game was basketball.
The city blacktop was for everyone.
To some it was a place to play, for others it was a sanctuary away from the hardships they encountered.
But for others, the true ballers, the blacktop was their silver screen and when they played, it was showtime.
And that’s what the Showtime documentary “NYC Point Gods” brings to life.
City life in the 70s and 80s was nothing like they are today, and neither were the courts.
There were no corporate restored outdoor courts or high-end gyms like the ones current NBA players are seen playing in on social media.
The city was tough and so were the players.
“They push you, they foul you. You can’t call no foul,” said Kenny Anderson.
You played on the blacktops that had a court, mainly in schoolyards across the five boroughs.
But you defended your home court.
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