Nothing like some good old-fashioned billboard drama to spice up the NBA playoffs.
The controversy began before Game 5 of the Clippers-Mavericks first-round playoff series Wednesday night, when images surfaced of a billboard outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles that read, “Dallas to Cancun.”
Some speculated the giant promotion, in which the travel-based site Skyscanner suggested prospective vacationers should visit “for great flights to Cancun,” was the Clippers’ attempt to troll the Mavericks as their best-of-seven playoff series was tied 2-2 at the time.
The “Cancun” joke, which originated in 1998 from former Lakers guard Nick Van Exel, is a mainstay in trash talk during the NBA postseason.
It refers to the destination being a retreat for players after a team is eliminated in the playoffs.
Hours before Game 5, the Clippers issued a statement denying their involvement in putting up the billboard.
“The billboard at L.A. Live 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.
The advertisement was scheduled to be taken down before Game 5, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
It’s unclear if it is still outside the Clippers’ arena.
A Skyscanner exec also offered insight on the company’s widely seen promotion.
“We’ve always thought the Cancun meme was super fun. So what better way to bring some attention to Skyscanner than to have some fun with a giant billboard outside one of the NBA’s most famous arenas celebrating travel and cheap flights to Cancun,” Andre Le Masurier, Skyscanner’s global head of brand, said, per NBC. “Win or lose, Mexico’s always a great spot to recharge the batteries.”
The Clippers beat the Mavericks in Game 4 on Sunday, 116-111, and Dallas topped Los Angeles in Game 5, 123-93, to take a 3-2 series lead.
Los Angeles played its worst game offensively in the postseason, shooting 9-for-35 from behind the arc, and had no answer for Dallas’ defense.
The Clippers’ veteran superstars put up abysmal shooting numbers, as Paul George went 4-for-13, James Harden went 2-for-12 and Russell Westbrook shot 2-of-11.
The Maverick host the Clippers for Game 6 Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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