The sports world is a place that can make us laugh, cry and feel connected to humanity in the most unexpected ways. Whether it’s an unforgettable victory or crushing defeat, the highs and lows of athletic success leave indelible marks that last a lifetime.
In an era of social media, sporting moments go viral and become cultural touchstones — sometimes faster than you can say “troll-tastic.” But it’s not just athletes or teams that capture the attention of fans; every day, fans are subjected to a flood of memes and videos that are shared like wildfire. From a darts player’s heartfelt tribute to fallen service members to the Cam Newton saga, these micro-moments grab our attention and spark conversation.
From the Olympics to the NBA, 2024 was an eventful year for viral sports moments. The Olympic coverage was a definite highlight, with Pommel Horse Guy earning a bronze medal and going on “Dancing with the Stars,” Ilona Maher rumbling over Aussies and Steph Curry knocking out France. But there were plenty of other wacky, head-scratching moments, including Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, the Astros banging on a trash can to steal signs and more.
Athletes are turned into symbols and pariahs in the eyes of their devoted fanbase, but the NBA’s relationship with its audience is particularly pronounced. From a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supporter to Joel Embiid’s apologists, being a member of the NBA Twitter community tells you a lot about who you are and how much you love the game.