In case you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen at least one episode of Bleacher Report’s NBA and Game of Thrones animated crossover “Game of Zones”.
The series features caricatured versions of current NBA players and legends thrown into the magical fantasy realm created by George R.R. Martin.
What started out as a light-hearted parody in May 2014 evolved into a well-received mini-series that now has an immense internet cult following.
The highly anticipated season 7 premiere finally aired and it certainly did not disappoint.
With the quarantine period taking longer than anticipated, Game of Zones is indeed a welcomed respite for NBA and GoT fans. BR confirmed that season 7 will be the show’s last, considering the HBO series concluded last year.
By the looks of the premiere, we’re in for one wild and hilarious final ride. Let’s review some of the best moments from Sunday’s episode.
Wade’s journey to ‘Mediadel’
The season 7 premiere followed the “maestership” of retired knight Dwyane Wade — mirroring The Flash’s real-life transition from player to analyst for Turner Sports.
Wade stepped onto the shoes of GoT’s Samwell Tarly as he entered the gates of the “Mediadel” (Citadel in GoT). Blink and you’ll miss BR’s tribute to late sports broadcasters Craig Sager and Stuart Scott, who appeared as huge statues in the entrance at the 1:16 mark.
D-Wade was greeted by his former Miami Heat teammate Shaquille O’Neal. A closer look shows The Diesel reading a book entitled “A Compendium of Recent Bloopers” — an ode to Shaq’s blunder-reel show “Shaqtin’ A Fool”.
The neophyte Wade was quick to pitch his ideas as a new maester, but Shaq shot him down by claiming he must first earn his “press pass”. Wade then took an apprenticeship under maesters composed of other retired NBA players and NBA beat writers (more on this later).
Another hilarious moment came when Wade tried to backtrack his words to Shaq upon saying Charles Barkley was the funniest guy on the show.
NBA insiders make cameo appearances
Game of Zones heavily featured players and coaches in earlier seasons and it’s nice to see them add NBA writers and insiders on this episode. Wade began his apprenticeship under Maester Marc Stein. Yes, the same guy who breaks injury report stories for The New York Times.
Wade jotted down some notes as Stein hysterically dictated that a horse suffered four full ACL and Achilles tears.
D-Wade then reported to Maester Wind Horse (Brian Windhorst), who channeled his inner Lord Varys.
The library scene featured several media gems hidden in bookshelves, including “Chris Broussard Fiction”, and “Van Gundian Rants” (an ode to the Van Gundy brothers), as well as a “Celtics Porn” section where a creepy-looking Bill Simmons lingers.
Maester Wind Horse even managed to take a shot at James Harden who “vanishes in a meaningful playoff game”.
The restricted area showed even more controversial reading material, from “Actual Player Heights”, “Derrick Rose SAT Invoices”, “Boozer’s Hair Potion”, and “Sterling’s Racist Scroll”, which briefly flashed at the 4:45 mark.
Perhaps the highlight of Wade’s adventure was his exchange with Paul Pierce who was seen being wheeled out by Brian Scalabrine. Like Bran Stark in the show, Pierce said he is reborn and now goes by “The Truth”.
After strolling through a “pondcast” the pair reached the “SocialMediadel” which was of course governed by none other than the great Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj bombs were referenced in earlier episodes but this marked the famed insider’s first appearance. Shams Charania and Kendrick Perkins also made a quick cameo.
Giannis praying to Jesus Shuttlesworth
The latter part of the clip also showed the reigning NBA MVP praying to one of the best scorers in Milwaukee Bucks history — Jesus…Shuttlesworth.
Giannis, who is still working on his jumper, hilariously asked “a gift of range” from Ray Allen. Allen’s deity status, of course, is an ode to his character in the movie “He Got Game”.
An earlier scene also comically showed Bucks center Robin Lopez’s hatred for NBA mascots.
MJ leading the charge
Obviously, the premiere won’t be complete without the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan.
His Airness actually appeared twice, first in the recap as his older, wiser self. “Hoop Earring” Michael initially came out as “The Three-Eyed Raven”, who was incensed when LeBron James proclaimed he was better than Jordan.
The glorious final scene then featured MJ as an undead White Walker, leading the attack while riding on Benny the Bull. He even flashed his signature “Air Jordan” pose while sticking his tongue out.
It is also worth noting that the undead under his command was labeled as “The Dream Team”, a clear ode to the formidable Team USA squad that conquered the 1992 Olympics. Hall of Famers Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Scottie Pippen appeared as undead warriors.
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