After another long season, the NBA finals are finally here. While there have been surprises (the Lakers missing out), the overall makeup of the playoffs is what most experts predicted. With basketball on every sports fan’s mind, there is no better time to have a laugh with these hilarious basketball memes. 

These basketball and NBA memes highlight top players, funny moments, and the absurdity of sport. They will have you laughing out loud and hopefully provide some comfort if your team doesn’t win the NBA championship this season. 

1. Bring Out the Cigars

EvilRick_C-420/Reddit

After beating the Clippers in the NBA play-in tournament and booking their spot in the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves got excited. Maybe a little too much. They acted as if they had actually won the championship. This cheeky meme has been all over social media since then. It photoshops Patrick Beverly’s head onto Michael Jordan’s body after he won the actual NBA championship back in the 90s. Classic. 

2. OCK You Next Year

Basketball Sayings/Facebook

In 2016 the Golden State Warriors dumped the Oklahoma City Thunder out of the playoffs. This clever meme plays off that result. 

3. The Real James Bond of the NBA

NBAMemes/Twitter

According to the statistics, Robert Horry is the real MVP of the NBA. 

4. NBA Salad Bar

AcanthaceaeUnfair298/Reddit

Yeah, this is stupid, but it’s also hilarious. Russell Westbrook as Brussell Westbrook. Basketball memes don’t get any funnier.

5. Poor Chris Paul

SlowLow8/Reddit

One of the greatest players in NBA history has never tasted championship success, and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon. 

6. They Say LeBron Is Better Than Me

bullsnation.net

The debate about who the GOAT of the NBA is will go on forever. This meme is squarely in the Michael Jordon over LeBron James camp.