The opening sequence of Love and Basketball establishes the setting, introduces the main characters, hints at the narrative, and uses suspense to engage the audience. It is divided into four "quarters" like a basketball game. Extreme long shots show where the story takes place and a character moving in. Clever camera angles make the viewers feel like they are watching unseen. Costume and reactions effectively reveal a main character is a girl in a surprising way. Catchy music and shots of the basketball hoop and players build suspense throughout the sequence.