BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About New York Knicks Legend Patrick Ewing, Slated for Release on the…

BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About New York Knicks Legend Patrick Ewing, Slated for Release on the 25th Anniversary of His Hall of Fame Induction

 

NEW YORK – In a major announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the sports and entertainment worlds alike, Netflix has officially unveiled its latest sports documentary, “The Underdog”—a powerful, in-depth tribute to NBA Hall of Famer and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. The documentary, which has been in the works for more than two years, is slated for release on September 5, 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of Ewing’s enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

 

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and produced in collaboration with UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete empowerment brand founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, “The Underdog” promises to deliver a definitive portrait of one of basketball’s most dominant and resilient figures. Combining never-before-seen footage, personal interviews, and archival materials spanning four decades, the film chronicles Ewing’s rise from humble beginnings in Jamaica to basketball immortality in New York City.

 

 

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A Story 50 Years in the Making

 

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Patrick Ewing’s journey to basketball greatness is one of relentless work ethic, sacrifice, and unshakable resilience. “The Underdog” traces Ewing’s path from a quiet immigrant child to a national high school phenom, through his time at Georgetown University under legendary coach John Thompson, and finally to the NBA, where he became the face of the New York Knicks for over 15 years.

 

The documentary delves into Ewing’s pivotal role in transforming Georgetown into a college basketball powerhouse, culminating in a national championship in 1984. Through candid interviews with teammates, coaches, and rivals—including Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon—the film explores how Ewing faced racism, media scrutiny, and towering expectations with unwavering determination.

 

 

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Knicks Royalty and a City’s Hero

 

Drafted No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft as the first-ever lottery pick, Ewing became the cornerstone of a revitalized Knicks franchise. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, he led New York to 13 playoff appearances, two Eastern Conference titles, and a Finals berth in 1994. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Ewing’s grit, loyalty, and leadership made him a beloved icon in the Big Apple.

 

“This is the story of a man who never backed down, never left the fight, and never forgot where he came from,” DuVernay said during the film’s press unveiling in Manhattan. “‘The Underdog’ is not just a basketball documentary—it’s about identity, legacy, and what it means to lead with quiet power.”

 

The documentary also includes rare footage from locker rooms, training sessions, and Ewing’s post-playing career, including his tenure as a coach at Georgetown and his years as an NBA assistant coach.

 

 

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Exclusive Interviews and Emotional Reflections

 

Among the many notable voices featured in the documentary are legendary sports figures such as Pat Riley, John Starks, Alonzo Mourning, Allen Iverson, and Spike Lee, who narrates parts of the film and appears in several segments reflecting on Ewing’s impact on the city and the culture of New York basketball.

 

“Patrick Ewing was the reason I fell in love with the Knicks,” Lee says in one scene. “He was our warrior. He was New York.”

 

Ewing himself, who rarely opens up in depth about his career, offers emotional reflections on the challenges he faced as a Black athlete, his relationship with his teammates, and the pain of falling short in the Finals. “I gave everything I had to this game and to this city,” he says in a stirring closing monologue. “And if I had to do it all again—I wouldn’t change a thing.”

 

 

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A Cultural Moment in Sports Storytelling

 

Netflix executives say “The Underdog” is not just aimed at basketball fans, but at anyone who appreciates stories of perseverance and triumph against the odds.

 

“This film speaks to the heart of the human spirit,” said Netflix VP of Sports Content, Maya Whitaker. “Patrick Ewing’s story resonates far beyond Madison Square Garden. His legacy is one of courage, dignity, and quiet excellence—values we believe will inspire audiences around the world.”

 

The release of “The Underdog” also coincides with a renewed interest in 1990s NBA culture, spurred by the success of ESPN’s The Last Dance, HBO’s Winning Time, and a wave of nostalgia-driven content around the golden era of basketball.

 

 

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Premiere and Special Events

 

Netflix will premiere “The Underdog” globally on September 5, 2025, with a red-carpet screening set to take place at Radio City Music Hall. The event is expected to draw a who’s-who of sports, entertainment, and cultural icons. Additionally, a special exhibition dedicated to Patrick Ewing’s life and career will open at the Madison Square Garden Experience the same week, offering fans a chance to engage with artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive storytelling.

 

In conjunction with the film’s release, Netflix has also announced a limited-run podcast series, “Ewing: The Fight Within”, featuring extended interviews and behind-the-scenes discussions about the making of the documentary.

 

 

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Legacy Revisited

 

As basketball’s narrative continues to evolve, “The Underdog” offers a poignant reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in championships—but in heart, character, and the ability to lift others along the way.

 

Patrick Ewing, now 63, remains a towering figure in the sport—both literally and figuratively. His influence stretches from playgrounds in New York to classrooms at Georgetown, where he recently stepped down as head coach after six seasons.

 

With “The Underdog”, his story finally gets the deep, empathetic, and uncompromising treatment it deserves—a fitting tribute to a man who carried a franchise, a city, and a generation on his back.

 

“The Underdog” premieres September 5, 2025, only on Netflix.