In between battling injuries and ending the San Antonio Spurs’ winning streak, the Dallas Mavericks have apparently been taking a page from Kanye West’s playbook. The NBA team unveiled a remake of West’s controversial “Power” clip (a.k.a. “moving painting”) over the holiday break, and the result should earn its marketing department a nice holiday bonus.
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In the Mavs’ version of “Power,” Dirk Nowitzki steps into the role of West, giant low-hanging chain and all, and surrounding him are scantily clad Mavericks cheerleaders and teammates including Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion.
Video: Dallas Mavericks’ “Power” remake
It should be noted that “Power” is the perfect track from West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” album for the Mavericks, as Nowitzki often takes heat for hogging the ball — “No one man should have all that power,” indeed. As it turns out, though, the other tracks on “Twisted Fantasy” are also strangely fitting for several NBA teams and players right now:
“Dark Fantasy” – Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James’ departure devastated the Cleveland franchise, but they’ve played fairly well and would make the playoffs if the season ended today. Can they get much higher — perhaps even higher than James’ struggling Miami Heat? That would be the ultimate dark fantasy for Cavs fans.
“Gorgeous” – Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are firing on all cylinders after winning the past two NBA championships. Can they pull a three-peat? Ain’t no question if they want it; they need it.
“All of the Lights” – Boston Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Shaquille O’Neal, Jermaine O’Neal… the Boston Celtics have more big names on their team than the number of guest stars on Kanye’s sprawling pop track. At this point, Nate Robinson is the basketball equivalent of Elton John’s piano contribution on “Lights.”
“Monster” – Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love
“Let me get this straight — wait, I’m the rookie?” T-Wolves center Kevin Love asked before dropping 31 points and 31 rebounds on the Knicks earlier this season. At 22, Love proved he is a monster, and one who should be considered among the elite big men in the game.
“So Appalled” – Philadelphia 76ers
Terrible rebounding, half-empty arenas and a disappointing start from rookie Evan Turner have made Sixers fans “so appalled” by their b-ball franchise. Not even a RZA cameo could liven things up in Philly.
“Devil in a New Dress” – Miami Heat’s LeBron James
The name says it all.
“Runaway” – Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony
The Nuggets are off to a hot start and are hoping to prevent star Carmelo Anthony from running away as fast as he can.
“Hell of a Life” – New Orleans Hornets
At 12-4, the Hornets are the biggest surprise of the league thus far. Can Chris Paul grab his team mates’ hand and lead them to one hell of a postseason?
“Blame Game” – Houston Rockets
The Rockets have a ton of talent and a terrible record. Whether it’s the fault of the players, coach Rick Adelman or the front office, Houston’s season has been as awkward as an explicit Chris Rock monologue on a heartbreaking rap song.
“Lost in the World” – Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles’ other basketball team sports a ton of promising young players (Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon) but the worst record in the league. This franchise is sadder than a Bon Iver song.
“Who Will Survive in America” – Toronto Raptors
With its miserable 2-7 road record, the only Canadian NBA team answers Gil Scott-Heron’s famous question with a resounding, “Not us.”