The third and final season of Kuroko’s Basketball, aka The Basketball that Kuroko Plays, sees the boys from Seiren High meet their final challenge in the Winter Cup Tournament. Are they up to the task of competing with more powerful schools?

But before Seiren takes on their final opponent, Kuroko shares his story of his middle school career, from being at the bottom of the third string to becoming the valued sixth man to the Generation of Miracles. But along the way, the relationship of the Generation suffers. Each of the five are determined to do their own thing separate from their teammates. It does not cost them any wins, only their friendships.

And now Seiren is ready to meet Rakuzan High, captained by the former captain of the Generation of Miracles. Rakuzan even has a hidden sixth man who may even exceed Kuroku.

There is a lot stretched thin here, including entering the “zone,” which brings on an almost supernatural power. But the games are exciting, the tension is real, and you tend to forget this is fiction.

Season 3 is as good as seasons 1 and 2. There are many interpersonal relationships, good and bad, at work here. The animation is well done, and the characterizations are believable. Season 3 of Kuroko’s Basketball is worth seeing. But first watch seasons 1 and 2. They are available on Netflix Streaming.