The next hour or so is filled with the Knicks committing turnovers, until a player tells Eddie they'll keep losing until she takes an interest in their personal lives. Wow!

What saves the film from abomination is the basketball.

It's a fresh, funny, engaging picture that sets up an arresting situation and then follows through on it realistically.

Whoopi's character takes the team to the verge of the playoffs thanks to her brilliant motivational talks (“Who the hell do you guys think you are?”) and ingenious sideline coaching (“Defense!”).