During their 2023 World Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters visited Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Washington. Taking to the court on Jan. 29, against the Washington Generals, this exhibition basketball team showed off their incredible basketball skills, comedic entertainment, and interactive performance. Led by showman and basketball player Chandler “Bulldog” Mack, these men and women took to the arena with overwhelming applause from their fans. Formerly an NBA basketball team, the organization is famous for its live entertainment, social action programs, and international attraction. The team, composed mainly of African American players, bestowed a show with something for everyone. 

The game was occasionally interrupted by little skits, humorous scenes and pranks. In one scene, Justin “X-Over” Tompkins was chased by Bulldog around the stadium because he had stolen the player’s water. Ultimately, neither player received water as they wasted it all throwing it at each other and the fans around them. The players had various interactions with the audience members, such as when they contracted a group of small kids to attempt taking the ball from Latif “Jet” Rivers. After tackling him to the ground, the kids successfully took the basketball and raised it high above their heads in celebration. Other fun moments included the players and their fans making a TikTok and the players casual celebratory dancing throughout the game. However, the most humorous moment of the game was when the speakers started playing “Circle of Life” from The Lion King and Bulldog went up to a couple, took their baby, and held the child above his head like Simba from the movie. Then, he encouraged all other parents in the audience to hold their own kids above their heads. It was quite possibly the most obscure and astonishing scene ever witnessed at a fake basketball game. 

The actual game was full of astounding tricks, from massive dunks, shots thrown backwards, and their signature four-point shot (located 30 feet from the basket). Their performance also took teamwork to a whole new level. It takes an immense amount of concentration to follow the ball as the team passes it back and forth in order to secure the next points. Overall, the players were comical, athletic, and perfectly executed many outrageous skills. 

Contrasting directly with the Globetrotters, the half time show by PopRox Dance Studio was inappropriately chosen for the audience and accentuated how greatly the Globetrotter performance was family friendly. The organization used clean language, wholesome dance moves, and presented a show with diverse humor that everyone could enjoy. By the conclusion of the game, the half time show was wiped from the audience’s minds by the excessive amount of tricks and humor in the second half of the game. There was never a dull moment. One thing is for sure: the Harlem Globetrotters will make you laugh.