Basketball - The Office (Season 1, Episode 5)

Michael has set up a game between the office staff and the warehouse staff that will take place at lunchtime. During his initial interview, Michael tells us all about the skills he possesses at basketball.

Dwight is trying to convince Michael to let him play in the game. Michael is not having it because Dwight's past performances in sports as been poor. Instead, Michael decides to let him be in charge of the holiday and weekend work calendar. Of course Dwight jumps at the opportunity to be in control of something.

Really what has happened is that Corporate told Michael that someone had to be at the office on Saturday. He knows that none of the employees are going to want to do it. Rather than be the bad guy, Michael lets Dwight do it.

Michael takes Ryan down to show him the warehouse and introduce him to the guys. While in the warehouse, Michael confirms the basketball time for 1pm. Darryl tells him that will no longer work because they have a truck going out at 1:15. Michael thinks this is a ploy to get out of the game so he begins taunting them. The guys agree to have the game at 1pm.

Michael picks his starting line up: Jim, Ryan, Stanley, and him self. Phyllis wants to play because she played in school, but Michael ignores her. Oscar said he'd do it, but Michael will use those talents when they play baseball. Kevin has a hoop in his yard and would play, but Michael says no. And in case you missed it, the only reason Stanley made the team is because he is black. Michael is picking his line up based on stereotypes. Feeling he is out of options, Michael makes Dwight the fifth player.

After the team is picked, the camera pans around the room and we see that Kevin and Oscar are putting good at dunking baskets and Stanley couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

Darryl comes into the office to get a tea bag and Michael takes this opportunity to taunt him some more. So Darryl decides to place a wager on the game...who ever loses by dinner at Farley's. Michael is intrigued and counter offers with...loser works on Saturday. Bet accepted.

Jim tells the camera that he played basketball in school and is pretty good. He's looking forward to impressing "a few people" around here. In the warehouse Michael is warming up...he has less skill than Stanley.

The game starts and immediately Michael passes the ball to Stanley. When he sees Stanley poor ability to dribble Michael gets very upset. "You got to be kidding me!", he yells.

Although the office staff seems to be losing to the warehouse guys, Jim still gets an opportunity to show off some pretty killer basketball moves. Pam cheers for him and he has impressed her.

The game continues and Michael is just about the worst player in history and it is hilarious to watch. When Roy takes the ball away from Michael, Jim volunteers to cover Roy. The competition between Roy and Jim gets more intense as the game goes on. And strangely enough the office staff takes the lead.

Michael calls a personal foul when he accidentally gets hit in the face. Knowing he's team is ahead, he says he's calling the game due to his injury and whoever is ahead wins. And because that is the office, the warehouse is working on Saturday.

The warehouse staff gets in Michael's face and tells him that they are not coming in. Michael, who is backing up, is clearly intimidated and says that the office staff is working on Saturday.

After the players get cleaned up the morale in the office is shot and the staff looks at Michael with hatered. Michael then decides that no one is coming in on Satuday.

Best Funny Quotes From The Office - Basketball

to Jim: Hey, you ready?

All right, all right, secret sign. Hey, Ryan. Ryan holds up his bag Very good. Excellent, excellent.

Michael!

Today at lunchtime we’re going to be playing the warehouse staff at a friendly little game of basketball. My idea. Last time I was down there, I noticed they’d put up a couple of hoops, and I play basketball every weekend. So I thought, “This might be kinda fun.” And so I started messing around and… I’m sinking a few, you know. Swish, swish, swish. Nothing but net. And their jaws just dropped to the floor. African-Americans! So… you know, it’s really just a good friendly game, a reason to get together.

Pam, Pam, thank you ma’am. Messages, please. Thank you.

Michael, can I talk to you, please? Privately? In your office? I think I should be on the team.

No. And that’s not me being mean, Dwight. That is based on your past behavior.

Oh, please.

to camera When I let him come to my pick-up game…

I apologized for that.

to Dwight I vouched for you.

Michael, I…

I vouched for you in front of Todd Packer, Dwight. All right, here’s what I’m going to do. The hand strikes and gives a flower. You are not going to play basketball. But I need somebody to come in and take over the holiday and weekend work calendar.

I can handle that.

Good. Excellent, it’ll be fun. Because corporate, uh, wants someone to be here on Saturday. And so we’re going to have to have some people come in on the weekend, and I know nobody’s gonna want to do it and I know everybody’s gonna complain and bitch and I don’t want to have to deal with that.

And that’s why you have an assistant regional manager.

Yes it is. Assistant to the regional manager.

to camera Same thing.

No, it’s not. It’s lower, so…

It’s close.

So we need someone to work this Saturday and I think that, that should be…Jim.

God, this is so sad. This is the smallest amount of power I’ve ever seen go to someone’s head. Phyllis, can you believe this?

Keep me out of it.

My fiance has plans for us this Saturday. So I really hope that Dwight doesn’t make me work. Maybe I should sleep with him? I’m kidding, kidding. Totally kidding.

All right, managing by walking around. This is our warehouse. Or, as I like to call it, the whorehouse. But don’t you call it that, I’ve earned the right.

Fine, don’t worry about that.

And here we have “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood.” Come on over here. Hey, this is Ryan. He’s temping upstairs.

What’s up?

And this is the foreman. Mista Ra-jahs.

It’s not my real name.

No, it’s Darryl. Darryl is Mista Ra-jahs.

Darryl Rogers?

Darryl Philbin. Then Regis, then Rege, then Roger, then Mister Rogers.

laughs And that is Lonny. And this is Roy. Roy dates Pam. You know, the uh, the best looking one upstairs.

Yeah, yeah.

You still getting it regular man? Huh? I mean, I can tell her it’s part of the job! Rapport!

on the phone No, no, I know that the warranty’s expired, but isn’t it supposed to last longer than two years if it isn’t defective? OK, fine, three years.

Pam gets a little down. Her toaster oven broke. Um, which she got at her engagement shower. Um, for a wedding that still has yet to be set… and that was three years ago.

So, um, one o’clock sharp and we’ve got a game on.

We’re loading at one.

Oh, I see, you’re chickening out on me. You’re bailing on me.

No, we got a truck going out at 1:15. So, that’s the busy time.

Oh, well, I’m glad that some time is a busy time because whenever I’m down here it doesn’t seem too busy to me. Oh, oh. You can dish it out, but you can’t take it. OK, fine, have it your way. clucking and dancing like a chicken

All right, fine, you know what? One o’clock.

All right, see you at one.

Are we ready for the game?

I… yeah, yeah. I know, grumble, grumble. But you would follow me to the ends of the earth, grumbling all the way. Like that, uh, dwarf from Lord of the Rings.

Gimli.

Nerd. That is why you’re not on the team.

Just trying to be helpful.

Uh, in a nerdy voice “I’ll help, Elwyn Dragonslayer, uh, ten points, power sword.”

That’s him.

OK, so, let’s put together a starting line-up, shall we? Stanley of course.

I’m sorry?

Um, what do you play? Center?

Why “of course”?

Uh…

What’s that supposed to mean?

Uh, I don’t know. I don’t remember saying that.

Uh, I heard it.

Well, people hear a lot of things, man. Um… other starters… Me, of course. I heard it that time.

I’d like to play if it’s just for fun. I played basketball in school.

ignores Phyllis) Um… Yeah. Who else? We have Jim. We have Ryan, the new guy, right? Untested. Willing to prove himself now. A lot of passion, a lot of heart.

But, I’m getting paid to skip lunch?

Yes.

OK.

Yes, this is business. The, uh, business of team building and morale boosting. Uh, who else?

I can help out, if you need me.

I will use your talents come baseball season, my friend. Or if we box.

I have a hoop in my driveway.

No.

I have a sports bra.

No, no, ridiculous.

Michael, look. Dwight throws paper at the garbage can

Close. All right, uh… Me, Stan the man, Jim, Ryan and Dwight.

Yes!

Sorry Phyllis.

Can I be team captain?

No, I’m team captain.

Can I be team manager?

No, I am the team manager. You can be assistant to the team manager.

Assistant team manager?

No.

OK, we’ll see who’s working this weekend then.

Jim, you’re in charge of the vacation schedule now.

Oh my God.

Threat neutralized.

hits Pam in the head with a piece of paper Off the backboard!

Please don’t throw garbage at me.

Oh, Pam with a zinger. Hey, Pam, how would you, like to be our cheerleader today? You know, some, ah, pigtails? A little, ah, halter top, you could tie that up. And you know, something a little, just, youthful, for a change. Just this once?

I don’t think so Michael. Besides, I can’t cheer against my fiance.

I’ll do it. Wear a little flouncey skirt if you want, and…

Yeah, I bet you would. Just try not to be too gay on the court. And by gay I mean, um, you know, not in a homosexual way at all. I mean the uh, you know, like the bad-at-sports way. I think that goes without saying.

Maybe Angela would cheerlead.

Oh, yeah right.

I’ll do it.

Oh, yuck, that’s worse than you playing. … ‘Cause we need you as an alternate in case somebody gets hurt. That’s where we need you. Blessed be those who sit and wait. You made it, suit up, you’re on the team! All right, cool! Very good.

Oh-oh. Oh-oh. A spy from the warehouse. Trying to figure out our plays, huh, man?

Just getting a tea bag.

Oh ho, oh, he’s running. He’s running. He’s running, but he can’t hide because you know what? One o’clock, you better bring your ‘A’ game. Because me, and my, posse guys are gonna be in your face. Right in your face!

Why don’t we make it more interesting? Loser buys dinner at Farley’s.

Whoa-ho. I like the way you think. You know what, I’m gonna take that one step further. Loser, works, on Saturday.

No, that’s not as much fun. You know what?

What?

You’re on.

OK. Cool, you’re on. to Dwight Don’t screw this up.

to camera Classic beginner’s mistake, eating before a game.

Has anyone seen the first-aid kit? Dwight holds the kit up How many times have I told you? I’m the safety officer, not you.

Basketball? It was kind of my thing in high school. And I’m, yeah, I’m looking forward to playing. You know, I think I’m gonna impress a few people in here.

You coming down?

Yeah, I’m just forwarding the phones.

You gonna wish me luck?

Yeah, you’re gonna need it.

Whoa.

Is that trash talk from Pam?

laughing I’m just saying, Roy is very competitive.

Oh.

And he wants to take the WaveRunners to the lake this Saturday so…

Well, I’m going to the outlet mall on Saturday, so if you wanna save big on brand names and Roy has to work, which he will, because I’m also competitive, you should feel free to come along.

Um, I think I’m gonna be up at the lake.

I think I’ll see you at the mall. Yeah.

Hey, there he is! Secret weapon! All right, guys, come on, let’s bring it in! Here we go! OK, listen, this is just going to be a friendly game, right? We are all on the same team here, the Dunder Mifflin team. Of course, if you beat us, you’re fired. That’s a joke. OK, let’s do it.

Have a good game man.

Yeah, you too. Should be fun.

All right, everybody stretch out a little bit. Stretch it. Full stretch. Ryan, you wanna stretch?

I stretched before I came.

OK.

OK, Ryan, you have Darryl. I have Roy.

Really? I thought I’d take Roy.

Actually, I think Roy is their best player not Lonny. So, Dwight, you uh, have the East German gal. Uh, who else we got… Um…OK, all right, you guys.

taking off his shirt OK, we’ll be skins!

Aw, come on Dwight.

What? Shirts on or off?

On. Just put it on.

You sure?

Yes. Uh, Pam? You kind of have your foot in both camps, why don’t you do the uh, jump ball OK?

Don’t listen to him Pam. Trust me, tip it my way or you’re sleeping in the car.

Stanley! What? You gotta be kidding me! !?! Roy steals the ball, and goes for a lay up Oh… Here we go! Lonny shoots and makes it Who’s on him? Somebody get him!

That’s what I’m talking about.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Over here, over here. Jim saves the ball from going out of bounds and passes to Michael Here we go. Three! Shoots and misses Let’s go to the zone! We’re going to zone!

De-fense! clap, clap Michael joins in De-fense! clap clap

De-fense! De-fense!

Who’s got Roy? Jim does a behind the back move around Roy for the basket

Woo!

misses a half court shot Aw, come on! What is wrong with me today!? Usually hit those. Dwight scores Dwight, I was open. All right, let’s go.

Roy bumps Michael to get around him OK, foul. Charging. Charging. That’s a foul.

OK.

OK, I’ll take it. misses free throw OK.

When I am playing hoops all of the stress and responsibility of my job here just melts away. It’s gone, I’m in the zone.

misses another shot What is wrong with me today?!

Who am I? Am I Michael Scott? I don’t know… I might just be a basketball machine. What’s Dunder Mifflin? I’ve never heard of it. Filing? Paperwork? Who cares? Possible downsizing? Um… well, that’s probably gonna happen, actually.

Jim! Jim! Jim, right here, Jim! Give me the ball! Ryan, cut! Michael looks away and misses Jim’s pass Whoa!

My bad.

scores Here we go. Here we go. Here we go.

dancing Where you at? Where you at? You over there? I’m over there.

That is cool. Is that like the Robot?

Ryan scores Nice! Come here! gives Ryan a chest bump

Can we just do one? That’s cool, that’s fine.

You have one more free throw shoot. Come on.

All right, let’s go.

Hey! Come on man!

Come on! Hey, Dwight. Dwight!

scores Yeah! points to Madge In your face!

Yeah, like that counts.

You know what? Dwight, Dwight…

Football is like rock and roll, it’s just bam-bam-boo… And basketball is like jazz, you know? You’re kind of… Dupee-doo, dupee-do. It’s all downbeat, it’s in the pocket, it’s like… singing Dupee-do, dupee-do, dapee-dah…

singing Du-du-du-du-dupee-do, de-do-do-do. Du-du-du-du-dupee-do, de-do-do-do. Harlem Globetrotter…

steals the ball, scores, mimics singing Du-du-du-du-dupee-do. Your ball.

All right, time, time out. Come on, sales, over here. Bring it in! Come on!

What’s going on? What’s going on? You’re playing like a bunch of girls.

You know what? Let me take Roy.

All right, switch. Take it up a notch, come on.

Shoot, shoot it. Roy hits Jim in the mouth with his elbow Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Foul! Naked aggression! Oh, that is… You all right Jim? Suck it up.

Block, block, block!

He’s afraid of you now.

Jim makes a shot after pushing off Roy Ouch! Oh, how much does it hurt? How much does it hurt?

Jim pushes Roy to the ground and makes another shot Yes!

What the hell man?

Take it easy.

No, you take it easy.

Darryl scores Watch the long passes, you guys!

Dwight steals the ball from Ryan Same team, Dwight.

Dwight!

scores Yes!

Phyllis scores Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! In, your, face! Angela, what’s the score?

You’re ahead.

Yeah, baby, here we go!

Jim has the ball Jim! Jim! Right here! runs into the elbow of the guy guarding him Ow! God! Hold it!

Foul! Foul!

Oh, that hurts.

What’s your problem man? Gah, just clocking me for no reason?

Take your shot man!

No, no, no, no. That was a flagrant, personal, intentional foul. Right there.

mocking voice Yes, it was. You know what, I’m just being fair.

Game over. Game over. That is it! I’m sorry, you know? I hate to do it this way but, you know, that’s just… we’re having a friendly game. It’s a shame. This is a damn shame, but we’re like a family here and that just, that won’t fly.

This is a cold pack…

Here, give me that. You have to break the interior bag. bag explodes

Thanks Dwight.

Wait, what does that mean? What is it, a tie? What’s going on?

Well, let’s just say whoever was ahead won.

That was you.

It was us? Really? I didn’t, I didn’t know. Great, I mean, I guess you guys are working Saturday. Your face.

No, no, no, I’m not coming in on Saturday.

Yeah, this isn’t happening.

Um… well, you guys, you know, I’m the boss so…

So what’s that? We’re coming in on Monday, right?

Hey, hey…

Monday?

laughing You guys believed me? Come on. Dogs, you know, you should know me better than that. No, oh, do you think that would’ve been good for morale? No. No. No. Exactly, no. I’m embarrassed it was even that close though. So… nah, of course, we’re coming in Saturday. Good game. Word.

to Pam …so I talked to the scout, it looks good.

Mmm-hmm.

I didn’t sign anything.

Hey baby.

Hey.

to Jim Look at Larry Bird. Larry Legend.

Yeah, he’s, uh, pretty good, huh? to Roy Let’s get you into a tub.

Yeah? Let’s get you into a tub.

Hey, what a game, huh? What a game.

What time do we have to come in?

Come on. Let’s not be gloomy here man. We’re all in this together. We’re a team. You know what? Screw corporate, nobody’s coming in tomorrow. You have the day off. Like coming in an extra day is gonna prevent us from being downsized. Have a good weekend.

The great thing about sports is that it is all about character. And you can learn lessons about life even if you don’t win. But we did because we were ahead.