In the novel, Carter and Austin are each on rival teams for middle school and they both have different stories to tell. 

While Austin’s past college-star dad wants his son to have the dream of the NBA he missed out on. Carter’s parents are financially struggling and they see basketball as Carter’s ticket to success. 

They remember when it used to be played just for fun, but now it results in injuries, cheating, and bullying. So to end the drama, they decide to have a final basketball game, on their terms.

Who will win? Will the rivalry finally end?