Rez Ball ending explained: Did Chuska Warriors team win the final match?

Rez Ball is an American sports drama released on September 27, 2024, on Netflix, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. Directed by Sydney Freeland, the film is based on the true story of a Native American basketball team and their journey of overcoming adversity.

The story is about Jimmy Holiday, a skilled high school basketball player on the Native American Chuska Warriors team. Nataanii, Jimmy's best friend and teammate, killed himself, which made Jimmy the team captain. The movie shows how Jimmy and the Warriors struggle while dealing with the loss and trying to win the state championship.

In the end, the Chuska Warriors won the final match in Rez Ball. Despite the initial challenges posed by their opponents, Santa Fe Catholic, who had studied their Navajo communication codes and mimicked their fast-paced style, Jimmy Holiday's leadership and determination led the team to victory. After being fouled, Jimmy scored the crucial free throws that secured the win, bringing home the championship and honoring his late friend, Nataanii.

The cast includes Jessica Matten as Coach Heather Hobbs, Amber Midthunder as Dezbah Weaver, and Kauchani Bratt as Jimmy Holiday. Julia Jones, Kiowa Gordon, and Dallas Goldtooth are also stars, adding depth to the emotional performances in this movie.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Rez Ball. Reader discretion is advised.

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The journey to healing: The ending of Rez Ball

The Chuska Warriors are a Native American high school basketball team. When their star player, Nataanii, takes his own life, their whole world changes. His best friend Jimmy Holiday is now in charge of the team. Jimmy struggles with the weight of his grief and is in a new role as captain.

Coach Heather Hobbs knows they need more than just skill for the team to get better on the court. Benny Begaye, who used to be her coach, is brought in to help the boys get back in touch with their roots. Benny shows them how to use their heritage to make them stronger.

The Warriors lose their first game without Nataanii, but they slowly start to get back on track. Jimmy knows how important it is to work with others during a team-building activity at Heather's grandmother's farm. He steps up and leads the group with heart and skill.

Being able to speak Navajo during games is the secret weapon that brings them closer together than ever before. The team starts to win, but they still face problems as they deal with their grief and find their rhythm.

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Did the Chuska Warriors win at the end of Rez Ball?

A still from Rez Ball (Image via Netflix)

As the game begins, the Chuska Warriors quickly realize that their opponents, Santa Fe Catholic, have not only learned their Navajo communication codes but also adopted their fast-paced Rez Ball style.

Initially, the Warriors are thrown off balance, but Coach Heather Hobbs reminds them that they are the true masters of this style. Encouraged by her words, the team regains their focus and begins to catch up in the game.

The climax of the match arrives when Jimmy is fouled by the opposing team's star player, Mason Troy, and is given three free throws. Doubts cloud Jimmy's mind as he recalls his mother's earlier warning that native players rarely succeed beyond the reservation.

These negative thoughts affect his first throw, which falls short. But, after shaking off his doubts, Jimmy makes the second and third throws, securing victory for the Chuska Warriors and fulfilling Nataanii's legacy.

The final match brings out the best of the Chuska Warriors. Even though Santa Fe Catholic was stronger at first, the team's determination and connection to their heritage led to winning. Jimmy's leadership, even when he has doubts, has been significant. He gets past his doubts after missing one free throw and scores the game-winning point.

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Gloria’s redemption

Jimmy’s mother, Gloria Holiday, has a significant arc in the film. Despite being a well-known basketball player, her life went off the rails when she failed to do much outside the reservation. Her alcohol addiction has trapped her, and she is facing legal problems. However, she does start to take charge of her life as the movie goes on. It gives her stability to get a job at Nataanii's dad's garage.

On the day of the final game, Gloria defies her legal restrictions for DUI cases (for driving while impaired by alcohol consumption) and tries to get to the game. The police stop her, but she is able to use a radio to hear the game.

Inspired by her son's success, she turns things around and starts playing basketball again. By the end of the film, Gloria has faith that Jimmy will do what she couldn't, which gives her life a whole new purpose.

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What does Jimmy’s future hold?

At the end of Rez Ball, the Chuska Warriors celebrate their victory, knowing their lives are about to change. Now that Jimmy is a state champion, he starts getting job offers from colleges. He has a bright future ahead of him and turns out to be a source of hope for everyone in his community.

In the last scene, Jimmy sees his mom playing basketball again, which leaves a note in his mind that she believes in Jimmy's skills. It's a new beginning for their family, where the past doesn't hold them back.

Rez Ball sends a strong message of hope, strength, and community. The Chuska Warriors' victory also connects with the remembrance of Nataanii as they are yet to get over the loss.

Jimmy Holiday's story leaves hope that when someone fights back and keeps trying for the best, the future is bright, even though life is hard on and off the court.

Rez Ball is now available for streaming on Netflix.