
Paul Simon, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has had a career that spans over 50 years, known mostly for his work with Art Garfunkel and later as a solo artist. While he's a musical icon, his basketball skills are not well-known. So, it came as a surprise when, in October of 1975, former Globetrotter Connie Hawkins invited Simon to a one-on-one basketball match.
That Paul Simon, at just 5-foot-3, not only accepted the challenge but also emerged victorious, might be astonishing—if not for the fact that this game was filmed as part of a skit for the second-ever episode of Saturday Night Live, the show Simon was hosting. Despite that context, it's still a hilarious moment to watch, especially with the entertaining pre-game interviews featuring both players.
This vintage Saturday Night Live clip is a delightful gem for fans of Paul Simon, vintage NBA, early SNL, or anyone who enjoys good old-fashioned slapstick comedy. Enjoy the video below:
Watch Paul Simon and Connie Hawkins perform 'Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard' on SNL in 1975. This clip is from Simon and Garfunkel News on Vimeo.