42 pages 1 hour read

Dan Gutman

The Million Dollar Shot

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997

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Chapters 14-17Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 14 Summary: “The Million Dollar Shot”

In New York, Eddie, Annie, and their parents stay in a fancy hotel, where the staff brings in a basketball hoop so that Eddie can practice in one of the ballrooms. While he is shooting hoops, Annie calls him over to see their parents kissing behind a curtain. The sight angers Eddie, who confronts them. They are sorry for upsetting him but do not apologize for their budding romance, and Annie’s dad talks Eddie into feeling better about the situation.

Before the game, Eddie meets a group of players from one NBA team. They invite him to shoot hoops before the game starts, but Mr. Finkle interrupts and takes Eddie away to meet the press. Afterwards, Eddie goes up to Mr. Finkle’s private box, where he watches the game and eats snacks. On the way down to make the shot, Eddie starts to feel sick. Mr. Finkle gives Eddie one last chance to accept his offer and miss on purpose. When Eddie refuses, Mr. Finkle motions to the crowd seated behind the net, and as one, they turn their signs around to reveal a sea of photos, all of which look exactly like the court’s hoop.