Nothing cheers up the NBA Playoffs like some good old-fashioned marquee drama.
The controversy began Wednesday night before Game 5 of the first round playoff series between the Clippers and Mavericks, when a sign outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles read “From Dallas to Cancun.” An image has surfaced.
The huge promotion, which travel site Skyscanner suggested potential travelers should visit “for great flights to Cancun”, comes after the best-of-seven play-off series was tied at 2-2. Some speculated that the Clippers were trying to rough up the Mavericks after the tie. at that time.
The “Cancun” joke, coined by former Lakers guard Nick Van Exel in 1998, has become a staple of trash talk during the NBA postseason.
This refers to the destination where players retreat after their team is eliminated from the playoffs.
Hours before Game 5, the Clippers released a statement denying any involvement in the billboard installation.
“The LA Live sign is not owned or operated by the Clippers. We have the utmost respect for our opponents and in no way endorse this message,” the Clippers said. .
Although the advertisement was scheduled to be removed before Game 5, According to ESPN’s Uhm Young Mi-sook.
It’s unclear if it’s still outside the Clippers’ arena.
Skyscanner executives also provided insight into the company’s widely seen promotions.
“We’ve always thought Cancun memes were a lot of fun. So to draw attention to Skyscanner, we created a huge There’s no better way to have fun than to look at the best signage,” said Andre Le Marié, Global Head of Brand at Skyscanner. According to NBC. “Win or lose, Mexico is always a great place to recharge.”
The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 116-111 in Game 4 on Sunday, and Dallas defeated Los Angeles 123-93 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Los Angeles had its worst offensive game of the postseason, making 9 of 35 shots from behind the basket, but Dallas’ defense had no answers.
The Clippers’ veteran superstars had terrible shooting numbers, with Paul George going 4-of-13, James Harden 2-of-12 and Russell Westbrook 2-of-11.
The Mavericks will host the Clippers in Game 6 on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
