Barack Obama, Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk Nowitzki join NBA Finals' star-studded virtual crowd

NBA, after an extended 2019-20 season, finally began with ir finals on Wednesday (Thursday morning IST). Los Angeles Lakers, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James' combined 59-point performance, beat Miami Heat during Game 1 with a massive 116-98 margin. While Lakers dominated court, celebrities – including former President Barack Obama – made a courtside appearance as an NBA virtual fan during finals. 

Also read | Barack Obama praises Bucks for boycotting NBA playoffs in wake of Jacob Blake shooting

Barack Obama, Shaquille O'Neal and or celebrities watch NBA Finals live as an NBA Virtual fan

As NBA's reach ir biggest series of season, countless celebrities joined crowd to cheer ir favourite team. list included Barack Obama, retired NBA stars like Dirk witzki and Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, and Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal. Gasol, Obama and O'Neal appeared close by, where Spanish NBA star was visible in his Kobe Bryant . 8 black and gold jersey – similar to Black Mamba jersey Lakers have been sporting durign postseason. 

Or NBA stars like Isiah Thomas, James Worthy (who was also besides Obama), Clyde Drexler, Bill Walton, Ray Allen, Manu Gobli, Robert Harry, Robert Parish, Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups were also present as NBA virtual fans. However, reports added that t all of m were stars and in crowd by chance. Some of members in audience were first-time poll workers for vember elections and have partnered with LeBron James' voting group More Than a Vote, Power Polls and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

Also read | Barack Obama commends Kevin Love, Steph Curry and ors who helped NBA workers

Barack Obama for More Than a Vote from courtside, previous support to NBA

While in crowd, Obama was among people encouraging people to vote, trying to make m understand importance of ir vote. More Than a Vote, started by LeBron James, is focuses on helping people (especially African Americans) cast ir vote. Obama has always supported NBA in ir political or social justice stands. Weeks ago, Obama commended players for boycotting NBA games after Jacob Blake's brutal shooting. 

Also read | Sanjana Ramesh, Pritish Kokate relay ir experience as India's "NBA virtual fan"

Lakers vs Heat score and highlights: Lakers beat Heat 116-98

Anthony Davis and LeBron James easily helped Lakers breeze past Heat in Game 1. Davis scored 34 points, while James added 25 points and 13 rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope posted 13 points, while Danny Green and Alex Caruso finished game with 11 and 10 points respectively. "We kind of picked it up on both ends of floor," Davis said in a post-game interview. 

On or hand, Jimmy Butler scored 23 points for Heat, while both Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo exited game with injuries. Kendrick Nunn added 18 points. Tyler Herro and Jae Crowder finished game with 14 and 12 points respectively. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, 9:00 PM EST (Saturday, 6:30 AM IST).

NBA Live Score: How to watch NBA Finals live?

• Broadcast: ABC (USA), Sony Six (India)
• Live streaming: FuboTV (USA), FanCode and Sony LIV (India)

Also read | How to be an NBA virtual fan? A guide to NBA virtual fan sign-up to watch playoffs, NBA Finals live

(Im credit: NBA Twitter)