Description: The American tradition of opposing teams playing a game of basketball is both a pastime and a business with which many can identify. Having never played the game, I am not astutely cognizant of all the intricacies involved in the sport many people old and young so heartily enjoy. However, the numerous compositions and forms created by and among players during a given period are most exciting. It was at just such a moment that the inspiration came for painting this picture. As I watched a televised game between the Portland Trailblazers and another team this image was captured in my memory. One player’s hand looms over the head of the ball handler as he attempts to lower his head and body to out maneuver his opponent. The quick action and the proximity of the players formed an interesting composition.