Hooping Cranes
A grateful caller from Frasier’s radio show gives him four tickets to a Seattle Sonics basketball game. Since Frasier already has plans with Niles, he offers the tickets to Martin, who happily assumes his sons will be joining him for a boys’ night out. Unwilling to let his father down, Frasier convinces Niles to come along.
Polar opposites of jocks, Frasier and Niles brace themselves for an unpleasant evening. Then, to add insult to injury, Niles is plucked from the stands to shoot a half-court basket at halftime. Although Frasier and Martin prepare for the worst, Niles miraculously nails the shot and wins a truck! Martin couldn’t be prouder, particularly when Niles’ feat is showcased on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
Naturally, it doesn’t take long for Frasier to become jealous of Niles’ amazing accomplishment. After taking time out to help Roz dump her French-speaking boyfriend, Frasier meets Niles at Martin’s favorite watering hole, where Niles once again brags about his lucky shot. Fed up, Frasier challenges Niles to a one-on-one game using the mini-basketball hoop in the bar. Predictably, neither brother can score a single point.


