The NBA is storming through playoff season and the league released its official anthem for The Finals. It is fittingly called “Champion” and it is performed by The Roots.
The full version of “Champion” runs four minutes, but the NBA and ESPN released a promotional video of Questlove, Black Thought and the rest of the gang performing on an outdoor basketball court. Footage of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant embracing Shaquille O’Neal is superimposed into the shot. Rolling Stone says the Philly-based squad was on location in Brooklyn for the spot.
Last year, the NBA used Kendrick Lamar’s “i” as its soundtrack for the season.
This season’s Finals start June 2 and are set to feature the Oklahoma City Thunder or the reigning champion Golden State Warriors representing the West and the Cleveland Cavaliers or Toronto Raptors from the East. The series is scheduled to air on ABC.
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In the Western Conference Finals, the Stephen Curry-led Warriors are down 2-1 against Kevin Durant‘s Thunder. Golden State set the record for most games won in a regular season, but have had stiff competition in the playoffs.
Drake has been loving the Raptors’ success and sat courtside as they beat LeBron James and the Cavs yesterday (May 23) to tie the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece.
Listen to The Roots’ “Champion” and watch ESPN’s promotional video for The Finals below:
