I don't even think its the basketball that drew me. It's just the drama of competition. Games like the comeback game, OT hockey playoff games, the Michael Phelps match, keri strugg, the bloody sock game, intense boxing matches, etc. it doesn't really matter what, they're all awesome because of the drama. You just can't make that sh-- up!
edit: you can make that shi-- up. That's why Rocky is one of the best movies ever.