Winning Time Episode 5 Recap: If there’s one issue in the first half of Winning Time’s season 1, it’s the benching of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The 7’2″ Abdul-Jabbar had won the MVP award six times and scored more points than anybody else in NBA history by the end of his 20-year career. But, until now, Winning Time has promoted flair over depth, leaving Abdul-Jabbar on the sidelines in favour of less engaging and frequently repeated narratives. Instead, Hbo winning Time Episode 5, “Pieces of a Man,” the best of the series so far, delves into the life of a player who has been accused by the press for years because of his grumpy public persona, ignoring the numerous reasons why an outspoken Black Muslim celebrity would act as a living, breathing defence mechanism.
This ain't ballet
A new episode of #WinningTime is streaming now on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/n0NhRQHAPN
— Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (@winningtimehbo) April 4, 2022
As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to play their opening game of the 1979-80 season, ‘Winning Time’ hits the halfway point of its first season. All eyes are on the team as it goes through a period of transition, and new owner Jerry Buss has big plans for the squad both on and off the court.
While Buss works to make the Lakers’ games more entertaining, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar must find common ground in order for the club to win on the court. By the end of the episode, the team has overcome practically all of their obstacles, but they are confronted with a new one in the final moments.
Here’s all you need to know about ‘Winning Time, episode 5!’ if you’re curious about how the show’s dramatic climax will affect the Lakers’ season and, ultimately, their dynasty.
Must Read: Who is Spencer Haywood? When did he join the Lakers?
Recap of Winning Time Episode 5 ‘Pieces of a Man’
The fifth episode, titled ‘Pieces of a Man,’ begins with a flashback to Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr’s childhood, when he converts to Islam and takes the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Buss is currently attempting to strike the proper balance of elegance and glamour for the Lakers’ cheerleaders.
He also decides to enhance the bar’s sound system, making Claire’s task of obtaining the appropriate permission in time for the Lakers’ first home game of the season more difficult. Meanwhile, the Lakers will play their opening game of the season on the road against the San Diego Clippers.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the team’s captain, is debating whether or not to continue playing. He wants to make a difference in society by raising awareness about racism and racial violence. Magic Johnson’s work ethic impresses McKinney, but the rookie needs to demonstrate more leadership, according to McKinney.
Magic is pushed by McKinney to build a bond with Kareem in order to energise the team. Simultaneously, Jerry West assists McKinney in obtaining Spencer Haywood’s services.
Magic tries to connect with Kareem before the Lakers’ season opening, but finds it difficult to break through his captain’s harsh demeanour. During the game, though, Magic hugs Kareem and pushes him to be a better team player.
Kareem, on the other hand, puts in a strong single performance in the game to prove his point to McKinney. The Lakers win by a slim margin, casting doubt on McKinney’s strategy and the team’s hopes of contending for the title. Meanwhile, Jeanie appoints Paula Abdul as the head of the Lakers’ cheerleading team.
Buss inspects the preparations and approves Claire’s work before of the Lakers’ first home game under Buss’ ownership at the freshly renovated Forum. Buss, on the other hand, wonders if his Lakers investment will actually make him happy. Kareem and Magic have a spat in the locker room shortly before the game about their differing viewpoints.
Despite this, the pair gels during the game and grows to respect one another. By the end of the season, the Lakers have taken over the league and are considered strong title candidates. The team, though, is in for a major setback.
What Happened to Jack McKinney in Winning Time Episode 5? How McKinney Die?
The mutual respect between Kareem and Magic had invigorated the Lakers’ squad by the end of the episode. The team is on a roll, winning game after game and climbing the standings swiftly. McKinney’s efforts are finally paying off, as the squad has adjusted to his playing style and is dominating the league.
As a result, McKinney decides to take a break from the basketball court. McKinney agrees to play tennis with Paul Westhead after his wife suggests it. McKinney rides his bike to the tennis court and smiles as he leaves his residence.
McKinney just avoids being hit by a car on the road. The incident, on the other hand, serves as a portent of the catastrophe that is about to occur. The gears on McKinney’s lock-up fail in the final moments of the episode, causing him to fall off his bicycle. The coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is flung from his vehicle and lands on his face, suffering a serious head injury.
McKinney is found dead in the middle of the road at the end of the episode. This is not, however, the end of McKinney’s story. In truth, the coach had a full life despite the near-fatal event. As a result, the fictitious version is likely to be the same. McKinney’s biking mishap, on the other hand, will prove to be a crucial turning point in the Lakers’ season, as it offers another difficulty for a squad that is still finding its footing.
Winning Time is available to watch on HBO and to stream on HBO Max. The drama will air on Sky Atlantic and Now TV in the UK, although it will be a few weeks behind schedule, so be mindful of spoilers!
A little more from Jack McKinney’s debut as @Lakers coach, @MagicJohnson debut as a pro #WinningTime pic.twitter.com/yIMurMyvFR
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) April 1, 2022
