George Clooney defeats John Krasinski in hoops

The Office star John Krasinski has game, but apparently not enough to take down movie star George Clooney.

On the set of the upcoming film, Leatherheads, Clooney and Krasinski took their skills to the basketball court, Clooney told Entertainment Weekly.

Krasinski trash-talked Clooney into a friendly game, with a $1,000 wager as the prize, Clooney said. In the end, Krasinski lost the cash and his pride, Clooney said.

Here’s what Clooney had to say about his basketball rival. (This excerpt is taken from an interview with Clooney and Brad Pitt from Entertainment Weekly.)

Interviewer: Hey, as long as we're on the subject of working with the young folk, what's going on with your football movie, Leatherheads?

CLOONEY: I wrapped Friday.

PITT: You're kidding me.

CLOONEY: No. I've been in North Carolina for the last four and a half months playing football with a bunch of 21-year-olds. I'll never do that again. [Laughs]

PITT: [In a mock mothering tone] It's okay. You don't have to.
Interviewer: That John Krasinski guy doesn't look that tough.

CLOONEY: You know, he's a good kid. I love him, but the fun part is that he talked s---. [To Pitt] I've got this kid John Krasinski in my movie. He's on The Office — really good actor. The first day on the set he's like, ''I play basketball'' and I was like, ''I play a little too.'' And he looks at me and goes, ''I'll kick your ass.'' And I was like, All right, whatever. And he's like, ''Okay, let's make it $1,000 then.'' So for the entire shoot we've been talking about this bet. We haven't played. The whole shoot. And Friday we played.

PITT: Oh, boy.

CLOONEY: And I beat him 11-8! [Laughter] I was wiping my forehead with $100 bills going, ''Whooo, is it hot in here?'' Certain things just bring you joy.

PITT: And one is staving off old age.

CLOONEY: Oh, man, you are right.