Get Ready for the NBA Finals with a Trip Down Memory Lane

The NBA Playoffs are back, and they’re bringing the heat in a BIG way for the 2025 Finals! This year, the league teamed up with the creative geniuses at Translation to launch an incredible campaign called “Unforgettable Awaits.” Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! It’s everything a basketball fan and pop culture enthusiast could ask for. Set to the smooth, timeless vibes of Nat King Cole’s classic “Unforgettable,” this nearly 90-second commercial is pure magic. It’s a heartfelt celebration of all those jaw-dropping, spine-tingling moments that have made NBA Finals history over the years.

The ad kicks off with a young fan heading to a viewing party, sparking a flood of iconic playoff memories that span generations and teams. You’ll see a Bulls fan perfectly nailing Michael Jordan’s clutch three-pointer move with a giant ice cube dropping into a cocktail glass. Talk about a slam dunk in everyday life! Then there’s the young Spurs fan rocking a Tim Duncan jersey, striking that legendary championship celebration from 2014. Nuggets fans get their moment to shine too, reenacting Nikola Jokic’s unforgettable training pool dunk after the Nuggets’ first-ever title in 2023. And Lakers and Cavs fans? They’re right there reliving some of the most epic championship celebrations of the past decades.

As Mindy Kaling put it perfectly, “An NBA Finals game is wall-to-wall thrills. The stakes could not be higher. I don’t know what it’s like for the players, but that’s what it feels like for me watching!”

What really amps up the campaign is the celebrity cameos that add a playful twist! Kevin Costner channels Magic Johnson, tossing a coffee cup just like the legendary baby sky hook from the 1987 Finals. Meanwhile, Mindy Kaling brings humor and flair as she volleys a ping-pong ball before dropping Steph Curry’s memorable “night, night” celebration from the 2022 championship. It’s a winning mix of famous faces and pure basketball passion. This dynamic mix of famous faces and iconic moments not only entertains but also brings fans closer to the spirit of the game, reminding everyone why the NBA Finals are such a thrilling and unmissable event each year.

Tammy Henault, the NBA’s Chief Marketing Officer, perfectly captured the essence of this campaign when she said it “weaves together iconic plays recreated in everyday moments.” These unforgettable Playoff moments don’t just happen on the basketball court. They live on far beyond the arena, embedded in the daily lives, memories, and shared experiences of fans across the world. Whether it’s a dad reenacting a legendary shot at family gatherings or friends mimicking championship celebrations during casual hangouts, the spirit of the game transcends the sport itself.

This campaign brilliantly highlights how basketball’s most iconic moments become part of our collective culture, inspiring joy and connection across generations. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the enduring love for the game that brings people together—young and old, casual fans and diehards alike. And the best part? It’s clearly resonating. The rising viewership numbers and growing buzz show that this emotional, inclusive celebration of basketball’s greatest moments is truly hitting home with fans everywhere.

NBA playoff viewership is up 5% from last year, with millions tuning in across ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. The excitement is building, and the Finals are just around the corner! Mark your calendars: the 2025 NBA Finals tip off on June 5 on ABC, with YouTube TV as the presenting sponsor. Whether you’re court-side or watching from home, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the thrill is guaranteed. So, gear up, get your jerseys ready, and join the celebration. You won’t want to miss a bit of this year’s NBA Finals!