A fake playoff series is taking over the NBA world - how did this start?

Key Points:

• Zinzy, a 19-year-old Memphis Grizzlies fan originally from Nigeria, started live-tweeting a fake 2026 NBA playoff series between the Grizzlies and the Warriors as a humorous way to engage the fanbase during a tough rebuilding season.
• The idea began during his final exams at the University of Manitoba and quickly gained traction, with major NBA fan accounts and even official outlets like Overtime joining in on the fictional series joke.
• Zinzy’s passion for the Grizzlies grew after watching a game in 2020, and despite the team’s struggles, he has watched over 70% of their games and values the strong community of fans he’s connected with online.
• The fake playoff series has brought joy and a sense of unity to Grizzlies fans amid a challenging season marked by major player trades and uncertainty around star Ja Morant’s future.
• Looking ahead, Zinzy is excited for the upcoming fictional Game 6 and hopes to one day visit Memphis in person, appreciating the fanbase as one of the best communities he’s been part of.