25 reasons to love Marvel’s Luke Cage

25. The basketball discussions give the show an authentic New York vibe

Luke Cage feels like it’s grounded in reality because it has the look and feel of New York. Daredevil and Jessica Jones are set in New York too, but Luke Cage has the culture nailed down perfectly. From the vibrant night scene to the tight-knit community bonds, it feels like a snapshot of Harlem. And having the characters discuss the Knicks only adds to that perception.

The show starts off in Pop’s barbershop where everyone is discussing their beloved Knicks. Despite going 17-65, there’s reason for hope because of “that Russian kid” they drafted. Others take the stance that Phil Jackson should be fired, and that Pat Riley is the real godfather of the NBA. No team divides opinion among a fanbase like the Knicks do, and this conversation feels like one that real New Yorker’s would have – minus the Pat Riley part, probably.

There’s a human element to including hoops talk in the script. At the police precinct, Misty Knight revealed to her partner that watching her dad and Pop argue over basketball (her dad was a Celtics fan) helped shape who she is as a person.

It all ties into the theme of community that’s so prevalent throughout the show. It reminds us that when you live in the inner city, sometimes all you have is each other. It was also a prime example of how Knicks fans are fiercely loyal, no matter how bad their team stinks.