The NBA has unveiled its latest campaign, “Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing,” now available on all @NBA social platforms and the NBA App. Premiering during tonight’s 2024 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on TNT, the campaign captures the intensity and excitement of the postseason journey as teams vie for a spot in the NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel.
Narrated by actor and comedian Chris Rock, the campaign features NBA stars like Nikola Jokić, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Damian Lillard, alongside ESPN’s Malika Andrews and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. The film opens with Tatum facing the “Playoff Jayson” question, sparking a debate among players and personalities. Despite denials, the highlights speak volumes, leading Rock to conclude that “Playoff Mode” is a thing.
Directed by Felix Brady and created with Translation, the campaign will be complemented by a print, digital, and audio initiative, with high-impact placements across various platforms. Additionally, the NBA introduces its first signature sonic brand identity, capturing the essence of the game’s sounds and enhancing the fan experience across digital platforms.
“The campaign plays on the idea that the playoffs unlock an elevated version of all of us, from passionate fans to the unrivaled competitors across the league,” said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Tammy Henault. “We are also thrilled to unveil a new original sound that captures the spirit of the game, and over time, will build association with our fans around the world, instantly igniting their excitement for the NBA.”
The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off tonight on TNT, followed by games on ESPN on Wednesday. The NBA Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel, commence on Saturday, April 20, promising an electrifying postseason journey for fans worldwide.
Draymond Green has long been known as one of the more outspoken NBA players. Sometimes, that leads to trouble, and other times, it leads to just some good old-fashioned smack talk. Green’s latest quote can be put under the label of some good smack talk. When asked about if he is keeping up with how the Houston Rockets were doing each night, Green kept his answer simple, he don’t give a damn.
The statement was quick and efficient for the point that Green was trying to make to the media. The Rockets are in a tightly contested battle with the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the NBA Playoffs on the Western Conference side. However, Green wasn’t sharing any insight he may have about how he and his team feel about what the Rockets are doing. Which is actually the right attitude to have. Check out the clip of Green’s statement below.
The Rockets trail the Warriors by just one game for the coveted final playoff spot. As tensions grow higher, every game matters from here until the rest of the season. The Warriors will play the Rockets just one more time in the regular season. The meeting takes place on April 4th, when the Warriors will travel to Houston for the marquee matchup. A game that will be must see for all NBA fans.
So, just from Green’s comments it’s easy to see that this playoff push is starting to lie on the shoulders of the player’s. Do you think the Warriors have one more playoff run in them. Or, will this current team need a much needed makeover to be more competitive next season? Let us know your opinion in the comment section. For the latest news in the NBA and sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
The Denver Nuggets made history last Monday night (June 12), conquering the Miami Heat in five games to claim the coveted NBA Championship. The riveting Game 5 averaged an impressive 11.64 million viewers, according to the NBA. Only the elite ascend to the NBA Finals, a mecca where spellbinding moments of honor and agony, have been immortalized. Michael Jordan’s nonchalant shrug, Magic Johnson’s five-position game, Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue. And who could forget Ray Allen’s heroic three-pointer at the buzzer or Willis Reed hobbling onto the court despite injury? A remarkable tapestry that speaks to the heights of human achievement. In pursuit of the greatest NBA Finals of all time, we seek not only an exemplary collective performance, but also individual standouts: dazzling one-on-one duels, scintillating breakout performances, and defining moments that resonate with lasting significance.
7. Chicago Bulls Vs. Phoenix Suns (1993)
Basketball: NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (23) in action vs Phoenix Suns at United Center. Game 4.
Chicago, IL 6/16/1993
CREDIT: Manny Millan (Photo by Manny Millan /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X44517 )
Riding on the back of an MVP season, Charles Barkley and his Phoenix Suns surged through the Western Conference. Yet, when they faced off against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls at home, Games 1 and 2 proved to be overwhelming defeats. While they took a hard-fought Game 3 in overtime at the United Center, Jordan retaliated with a monumental 55-point outing in Game 4. Averaging an astounding 41 points for the entire series, it was clear who the true MVP was. Finally, John Paxson’s iconic game-winning jump shot in Game 6 clinched the championship for Jordan and the Bulls, marking their first three-peat and solidifying MJ as basketball royalty.
6. Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1980)
Basketball: NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson (32) in action, shot vs Philadelphia 76ers Julius Erving (6). Game 4. Philadelphia, PA 5/11/1980 CREDIT: Manny Millan (Photo by Manny Millan /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X24508 )
The 1980 NBA Finals saw a battle between the experienced and the youth, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 33.4 averages indicative of his veteran finesse. Then, it was Magic Johnson’s turn; the rookie filled in for an injured Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 and delivered a masterful performance, commanding all five positions to accumulate 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in a game-winning 123-107 victory. It was a coming-out party for Magic; he announced himself as a star of the future, guiding the Lakers to decades of success. Meanwhile, classic footage of Dr. J’s now famous baseline reverse layup happened during Game 4.
Lebron James of the Miami Heat go head-to-head during Game 6 during the 2013 Finals. ” class=”wp-image-689220″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-300×213.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-768×546.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />MIAMI, FL – JUNE 06: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat in the first quarter during Game One of the 2013 NBA Finals at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 6, 2013 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Spurs surged ahead 3-2 in the series after a decisive win in Game 5. Led by Tony Parker, they built a 13-point advantage late in the third quarter of Game 6. Then Lebron James took over, masterfully rallying Miami to snatch the lead with 6:03 left. Undeterred, Parker retaliated with five swift points, securing a 93-89 lead for San Antonio with 40 seconds left. Manu Ginobili ensured victory by sinking a crucial free throw with 28 seconds remaining. Celebrations edged closer as San Antonio prepared to clinch until James’ miraculous 3-pointer kept Miami alive. With 22.9 seconds on the clock, Kawhi Leonard made it a two-possession game, yet still, James stayed undaunted, finding Chris Bosh for one of the most legendary shots in NBA history. Crowned champions in overtime, Miami solidified its legacy behind James’ memorable 32-point performance in Game 7.
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan sticks out his tongue as he goes past Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz 04 June during game two of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Vincent LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images)
MJ’s greatness was indisputable, as seen in his famed Flu Game. Everyone still remembers his heroic 38-point performance in Utah—a crucial three to tie the game sealed the Bulls’ 3-2 series lead. Yet, other narratives captivated viewers. Karl Malone took MVP honors with 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals, despite MJ averaging 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals on a 69-13 Bulls team. Undeterred, Jordan drove forward to snatch the Larry O’Brien trophy from the Jazz’s grasp.
UNITED STATES – JUNE 14: Basketball: finals, Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas (11) in action, taking layup vs Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit, MI 6/14/1988 (Photo by Richard Mackson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X36723 TK7)
The Showtime Lakers and Bad Boy Pistons clashed in a thrilling exhibition of contrasting basketball ideologies. Magic Johnson of LA outweighed Isiah Thomas of Detroit, making for an enthralling match-up. After Pat Riley promised a repeat of the championship parade in Los Angeles, the defending champions had a target on their back for the whole season.
The first five games were split between Detroit and Los Angeles with no game being decided by single-digits. Pontiac Silverdome was bid farewell as Detroit defeated the Lakers 104-94 to take a 3-2 series lead. However, in Game 6, Isiah Thomas suffered a rolled right ankle yet still scored 11 of Detroit’s last 15 points, pushing them to an 81-79 lead. Ultimately, a neck-to-neck finish saw the Lakers win 103-102, extending the series. James Worthy dominated Game 7, delivering a 36-16-10 line to lead the Lakers to back-to-back championships. Thus, earning him the moniker of Big Game James.
Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Larry Bird (33) in action, layup vs Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson (32). Game 1.
Boston, MA 5/27/1984
CREDIT: Carl Skalak (Photo by Carl Skalak /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X30077 TK1 R5 )
Bird and Johnson, two icons, had yet to face off in the Finals for the first four years of their careers. That changed in 1984, however, with a series that lasted seven games and featured an unforgettable clothesline from Kevin McHale on Kurt Ramis. On every level, this matchup lived up to the hype—Bird averaged 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Celtics, ultimately taking home MVP honors as his team emerged triumphant in Game 7. Johnson’s averages weren’t far behind at 18.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 13.6 assists. It was an epic battle that kick-started a golden era of NBA basketball, propelling the league into mainstream stardom on the backs of Bird’s and Johnson’s fierce rivalry.
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers posts up against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Down 3-1, LeBron James’ mission was clear: to deliver a championship to Cleveland. It was a feat he had been determined to achieve ever since joining the Cavaliers in 2003. Yet, achieving this goal seemed impossible when pitted against the Warriors’ historic 73-9 record. But LeBron and Kyrie Irving were unstoppable together, culminating in an epic Game 7 victory. In one legendary series, LeBron earned his place as the greatest player of all time.
A co-sign from Drake raises the profile of any rising musician. On the other hand, sports fans tremble when the “Search & Rescue” rapper pours his support behind their favorite teams. However, Drake’s NBA Finals bet win netted the rapper nearly a million dollars as the Denver Nuggets sidestepped the “Drake Curse.”
Yesterday, the team pulled out the Game 5 victory over the Miami Heat with the final score of 94 to 89. The musician took to Instagram to share his bets on the game. He shared two that he placed, both on June 1.
The first bet was that the series would be wrapped up in five games, with the Nuggets winning four games to Miami’s one. That bet cost $250K and would net a total return of $850K. Secondly, he bet $1 million on the Nuggets to win outright. The payout for this bet brought in $1.23 million. So, overall, Drake walked away $830K richer.
The championship is the first ever for the Nuggets, which started as an ABA team back in 1967. So, the win was a huge moment for Denver, but it seemed like star center Nikola Jokic was pretty quickly ready to move on: When he was informed that the team’s championship parade was still a few days away, he seemed genuinely bummed, saying, “No, I have to go home.”
The Boston Celtics managed to avoid being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals with a clutch win in Game 4. While Jayson Tatum led the way, the Celtics relied on the first proper team performance of the series to avoid crashing out.
However, they were far from safe. The Miami Heat still lead 3-1 and have three more chances to secure a showdown with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. Jimmy Butler and the other leaders of the Heat squad shrugged off the loss and chalked it up to the unpredictability of the playoffs. “If anything, it will build momentum for us knowing that we have to play with a lot more energy,” Butler said. “We’ve got to play like our backs are against the wall. But I think all year long, we’ve been better when we’ve had to do things the hard way.”
The Celtics came out of the gate hot and lead by 15 at the end of the first. Every time the Heat scored, the Celtics would just re-establish the lead. While Miami didn’t let the game get away from them in the second, they still trailed by 17 at the half. The second half followed much of the same pattern, with the Heat never able to find a scoring run that would get them back in the game. The Celtics led by 18 heading into the final quarter. While the Heat were able to add some garbage time points, the game had long been over by that point. The Celtics sent the series back to Miami with a 110-97 victory.
It was an embarrassment of riches for the Celtics, with four starters scoring at least 20 points. Meanwhile, the Heat failed to even have one starter reach 20 points. However, the Heat are struggling to refind their rhythm with two key starters in Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro sidelined by injury. Duncan Robinson, who played 28 minutes off the bench, led the Heat in scoring with 18 points. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo combined for 30 points. The other three Heat starters combined for 14. While the Heat still have two opportunities to close out the series, they need to find an answer for the reinvigorated Celtics offense.
The LA Lakers found themselves in a precarious position after two games of the Western Conference Finals. Despite playing dominantly through the first two rounds of the playoffs, they had seemingly met their match in the Denver Nuggets. Despite keeping both games close, the Nuggets had found a way to maintain their perfect playoff home record.
With the series heading to Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers needed to find a way to close out Game 3. After all, there were just three teams in NBA history to have tied a series after starting 0-3 down. Furthermore, it has been 20 years since that last happened, when the Blazers lost 4-3 to the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs after starting 0-3 down. The Lakers needed to find the win that had eluded them thus far.
Jamal Murray Once Again Leads The Nuggets To Victory
Unlike the first two games of the series, there was no back-and-forth first quarter. The Nuggets raced out to a big lead, and the Lakers found themselves trailing by 12 at the end of the first. However, the Lakers bounced back in the second, making the adjustments that allowed them to cut the Nuggets’ lead to three at the half. The Lakers continued to keep it close through the third, taking another point off the Nuggets’ lead as the teams entered the final quarter. This is where the Lakers had failed to close out in the first two games of the series. Briefly, the Lakers took the lead but it lasted just 22 seconds as the Nuggets began to pull away. The Nuggets moved to series point with a 119-108 victory.
Much like in Game 2, the Nuggets relied on Jamal Murray as the Lakers focused their defensive efforts on Nikola Jokić. Murray led all scorers with 37 points, also adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jokić had 24 points with 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring with 28 points, while LeBron and Austin Reaves both put up 23. But now the Lakers are in a difficult position. As mentioned, no team has successfully won a playoff series after starting 3-0 down. LeBron James, the leader of the Lakers, has been here three times before. At 2-0 down, he is 3-5 in the playoffs. But at 3-0 down? Of course, it’s an 0-3 record for the GOAT. The series continues in LA on Monday.
Twitter Reacts
And well that’ll do it. Yeah ok sure no team has ever come back from being down 0-3 but gotta be a first time for everything right fellas? Why not y’all? I still believe! Let’s get back to it game 5! One game at a time! pic.twitter.com/OeglLtLDaj
However, the loss only served to make the Lakers hungrier. They had seen how specific adjustments, especially guarding Jokić with Rui Hachimura, had brought them back into the game. Furthermore, LeBron, who is 12-8 in playoff series where he lost the first game, appeared to take the loss personally. Speaking after the Heat’s win over the Celtics, Shaq was confident enough to guarantee a Game 2 win for LA.
The two sides came to play on Thursday night. The Lakers jumped out to a 6-0 start, maintaining the deficit as the Nuggets began to score. Once the Nuggets warmed up, the lead swung back and forth before the first quarter closed at 27-27. Once again, the Lakers got off to a better start, leading by as much as 11 in the second quarter. While the Nuggets were able to close the gap, the visitors still led by five entering halftime. However, just like in Game 1, it was a halftime adjustment that made all the difference. Despite trailing by as much as 13 in the third quarter, the Nuggets entered the final period down just three. The Nuggets slowly began to take over, powered by Jamal Murray’s 23 fourth-quarter points. The Lakers simply didn’t have an answer and watched their lead, and the game, slip away as they lost 108-103.
Jamal Murray was the star of the show, putting up a 37-point double-double but coming in clutch, especially in the fourth. While not his usual high-scoring self, Jokić still posted yet another triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. That makes Jokić the first player in the history of the playoffs to have four consecutive triple-doubles of at least 20 points. However, it was a terrible night for three-point shooting (beyond Murray’s 6-for-14). The teams combined for a dismal 22-for-68 from behind the arc, with the Lakers going just 8-for-30. Part of this includes LeBron’s continuing trend of ice-cold three-shooting in the fourth quarter during these playoffs. The Lakers veteran has now missed 19 consecutive fourth-quarter threes. However, LeBron and Austin Reaves led the Lakers in scoring, both knocking down 22 points. The teams will now head to LA for Sunday’s Game 3.
Twitter Reacts
Mike Malone goes off on the narratives surrounding the Lakers and Nikola Jokic
“The national narrative [after Game 1] was that the Lakers were fine. No one talked about Nikola having a historic performance. The narrative wasn’t about the Nuggets.” pic.twitter.com/3beMDQfb4f
After leading for three quarters, the Lakers lost the game in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter by taking bad shots and shooting poorly from the three point line. The missed shots from outside opened the door for Jamal Murray to take over the game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 19, 2023
“Even when we win, they talk about the other team. … It just fuels us a little more, and it’ll be sweeter when we win the chip”
If you are a fan of H.E.R., well, you have incredible taste in music. Overall, H.E.R. has developed some amazing music over the years. She is a very talented singer, and her r&b stylings have always dazzled. Additionally, she is an amazing guitar player. So much so that Fender gave the artist her very own Fender Stratocaster. This is an honor bestowed on few, which just goes to show just how essential she is as an artist.
When you think about H.E.R., seldom do you probably think about the NBA. Well, you can change that line of thinking, immediately. It was revealed today that the artist has been working with ESPN and NBA on a new ballad. Overall, this song was meant to commemorate the playoffs and how hard it is to win it all. With the Conference Finals underway, the song has subsequently been released. Below, you can find a new track called “The Journey.”
H.E.R. Comes Through With A Ballad
Although this song is made for the NBA, it doesn’t have your typical barrage of basketball references. Overall, this makes for a much more enjoyable listening experience. However, that is not to say the song doesn’t match the spirit of the playoffs. As you will hear, there is a ton of passion radiating through H.E.R.’s voice. Many of the players in these playoffs can resonate with the lyrics, and we’re sure the track will be a welcome addition to ESPN broadcasts.
Overall, this is another great track from H.E.R. Hopefully, she blesses us with more songs, very soon. Perhaps a new album is in order? Let us know your thoughts on this track, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.
Quotable Lyrics:
All the times you thought you’d never make it through Felt just like the world just turned it’s back on you Didn’t stop you All the times you could’ve give in and you’d given up Times you didn’t know if you were strong enough Still you got through
For the third time in four years, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are facing off for a place in the NBA Finals. Prior to 2020, the two teams had only ever had three playoff meetings. However, the rematch of a rematch just goes to show where these two franchises are at in their championship journeys.
For the Boston Celtics, a trip to the Conference Finals came after a back-and-forth series with the Sixers. However, 51 points from Jayson Tatum helped blow out Philadelphia in Game 7. Meanwhile, the Heat have been causing all sorts of trouble as an eight-seed. They knocked off the one-seed Bucks in the first round before downing the Knicks in six come the Conference Semis. This would be a masterclass battle between two hungry teams for a place in the NBA Finals.
A high-scoring first quarter saw the lead change hands 14 times, with Boston leading 30-28 at the break. With about 90 seconds left in the second, Boston had managed to stretch their lead to 13 and would go into the half up nine. But that’s when the Heat took over. Miami outscored Boston 46-25 in the third quarter, Up 12 entering the final period of play, the Heat would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. The Heat stole Game 1 at TD Garden, 123-116.
Jimmy Butler, aka Jimmy Buckets aka Playoff Jimmy, was once again vital for the Heat. Butler led all scorers with 35 points while adding 7 assists and 6 steals to the stat sheet too. Bam Adebayo was also key, dropping 20 points and leading the team in rebounds with eight. Furthermore, every Heat player who played at least 25 minutes scored at least 15 points. On the other side of the ball, Tatum led the Celtics with 30 points. Jaylen Brown also came close to a double-double, with 22 points and 9 rebounds. However, despite 30 points off the bench from Marcus Brogden and Derrick White, a consistent problem in the starting five was present again. Al Horford had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. While the veteran center is not expected to be a points machine, it’s concerning in what will be a high-scoring series.
Twitter Reacts
A Marcus Smart pass to Al Horford for three makes me want to run through a wall
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) May 18, 2023
Celtics: *waiting for Joe Mazzulla to make in-game adjustment*
The Denver Nuggets have reached the Western Conference Finals four times in franchise history prior to 2023. And every time they’ve made it, it’s marked the end of their playoff run that year. The first time was in 1978 when they lost to the Seattle SuperSonics. However, on the other three occasions (1985, 2009, 2020), the Nuggets have lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
That meant it was all the more important that Denver won Game 1 against the 2023 Lakers. The Lakers were coming off two giant slaying series, taking down the two-seed Grizzlies and reigning champion Warriors. LeBron, Anthony Davis, and their eclectic supporting cast were hungry and ready to storm back to the NBA Finals.
Heading into halftime, the Nuggets were sitting pretty with an 18-point lead. They had been handling the Lakers well on both ends of the court and would cruise to a blowout win if the trend continued. But the Lakers came out of the break with a brand-new look and the now the Nuggets were scrambling for a response. The lead was down to 14 by the end of the third and a run late in the fourth had the Nuggets up by three. But Denver was able to score some late free throws and come away with a 132-126 victory.
Nikola Jokić was once again the savior of the Nuggets. The MVP runner-up had a 34-point triple-double, with 21 rebounds and 14 assists. It made Jokić the first player in playoff history to have 30-point triple-doubles with 70% shooting in back-to-back games. Jamal Murray also had a 30-point game for Denver, adding 31 to the scoreboard. That along with solid performances elsewhere, was enough to erase the 66 points put up by LeBron and AD, including 40 from Davis alone. What ultimately killed the Lakers was leaving the comeback too late. Furthermore, Dennis Schroder, DeAngelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Lonnie Walker combined for just 20 points on 88 total floor minutes. Denver, who went 34-7 at home during the regular season, will look to extend their lead in Game 2 on Thursday.
Twitter Reacts
So funny how Lakers-Nuggets looks like an All-Star game and Celtics-Heat gonna look like WW1
A win is a win, but if I’m Denver, I treat this like a loss. Lakers really figured something out putting Hachimura on Jokic. That’s one of those somewhat small adjustments that can win a series.
Lebron James of the Miami Heat go head-to-head during Game 6 during the 2013 Finals. ” class=”wp-image-689220″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-300×213.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-768×546.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
(@ayeejuju) 
America Is Musty
