NBA fan Lil Wayne makes a surprise cameo in a new ad narrated by Chris Rock for the 2024 NBA playoffs. The ad, playing on the idea that NBA players are too “cool” to admit the playoffs are happening, also features several other notable non-NBA celebrities, including celebrity chef Guy Fieri, ESPN’s Malika Andrews, and singer Anuel AA. Featured players include Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Shaquille O’Neal, Damian Lillard, and more.
The commercial kicks off with a reporter questioning Jayson Tatum about “Playoff Jayson,” to which the Celtics star drops his head and denies its existence. An on-screen headline humorously declares: “Tatum denies ‘Playoff Jayson’ is a thing.” The segment, titled “Playoff Mode,” sees Tatum firmly stating at a mock press conference, “Playoff Jayson is not a thing.” Rock interjects with his signature sharp delivery, “Okay, Tatum, we all know it’s a thing,” as footage shows Tatum executing a powerful dunk. Rock then references “Playoff Spida,” showcasing Cavs shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, who also humorously denies the concept.
The ad continues with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Bucks guard Damian Lillard, Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, and Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, each humorously denying the playoffs while performing various intense activities. Lillard, particularly irritated by Rock’s suggestion of teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, angrily removes a “Playoff” tag from his locker, stating, “Not a thing.”
In a comical twist, Chris Rock turns to Lil Wayne to settle the matter. “Playoff Tunechi knows it’s a thing,” Rock asserts as Lil Wayne, donning glasses, intently tries and fails to grab an NBA player plushy from a claw machine. “It’s game time!” Wayne declares, highlighting the intensity of the playoffs. The camera then captures a front-row shot of celebrities like chef Guy Fieri and Puerto Rican superstar Anuel AA enjoying a playoff game.
Adding to the humor, when Rock claims that “even Chuck’s playoff jokes are funnier,” NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal quickly dismisses it by defacing a headshot of fellow Hall of Famer and broadcaster Charles Barkley with a mustache and glasses. “No, they are not,” Shaq retorts.
The ad underscores the reality of the playoffs, which resumed on Friday, April 19th, with the Miami Heat defeating the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in the east play-in finale, earning a spot in Boston. Additionally, the New Orleans Pelicans secured their playoff position with a 105-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in a play-in tournament elimination game.
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