Ep 24. When The Garden Was Eden (Michael Rapaport)

When The Garden Was Eden (Michael Rapaport) is the 24th episode of the second season of the popular sports documentary series, 30 for 30. This episode takes a look back at the 1970s New York Knicks, also known as the team of the decade, and how they transformed the game of basketball into what we know today.

The documentary is narrated by actor and lifelong Knicks fan Michael Rapaport, who not only brings his extensive knowledge of the team and the sport, but also his personal connection to the team. Throughout the episode, we get a glimpse of Rapaport's love for the Knicks and how they impacted his life as a young boy growing up in New York.

The episode starts by setting the stage of the NBA in the 1960s, where the game was dominated by big men and slow-paced offenses. However, everything changed in the 1970s when the New York Knicks emerged as a team that played a selfless and team-oriented style of basketball. They were a team that prided themselves on defense, teamwork, and hard work. They were known for their physicality and were not afraid to get tough with their opponents.

The documentary highlights the key players that made up the team, like Willis Reed, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, and Phil Jackson, who went on to become a legendary coach. The players, their personalities, and their contributions to the team are explored in-depth, giving viewers a better understanding of what made this team so special.

We also get a glimpse into the cultural and political climate of the time, where the New York City of the 1970s was a far cry from the New York City of today. The team was playing in the midst of a city that was experiencing economic and social turmoil, but they were able to bring joy and a sense of pride to their fans.

The documentary also examines the impact that the Knicks had on the sport of basketball and how they set the standard for what a team should strive to be. They changed the way the game was played, influencing future generations of basketball players, coaches, and teams.

When The Garden Was Eden (Michael Rapaport) is a must-watch for basketball fans and sports enthusiasts alike. It is a captivating look at a team that was more than just a basketball team - they were a symbol of hope and resilience for a city going through tough times. The documentary takes viewers on a journey through the history of the Knicks and the cultural and social impact they had during one of the most exciting decades in basketball history.