HBO’s documentary We Beat the Dream Team premiered on February 18, 2025, detailing a remarkable event in basketball history. The film focuses on the 1992 scrimmage where a group of college players defeated the legendary U.S. men’s national basketball team, known as the Dream Team.
The Dream Team featured iconic players such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, who were expected to dominate the court. However, the college players, including Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Penny Hardaway, surprised everyone with a 62-54 victory.
This scrimmage took place before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the first Games to allow NBA players. The college players had hoped to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, making their victory particularly sweet.
The documentary highlights how the game was largely ignored in the media. Coach Chuck Daly ensured the scoreboard was turned off before reporters arrived, leading to minimal coverage of the upset.
By revisiting this pivotal moment, the film sheds light on a significant yet overlooked chapter in basketball history. It emphasizes the competitive spirit of the college players and their desire to be recognized in the sport.
For more information, visit the New York Times.