Anyone who says mascots can’t have an impact on an NBA game has clearly never met Benny The Bull, but in case you need more evidence for how important these characters are in the standings, look no further than Friday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Sixers entered the home game on a seven-game losing streak. The Cavs arrived having lost seven games all season. Fortunately, Philadelphia could rely on Franklin the Dog to provide some late-game defense with the Sixers nursing a three-point lead.
As Cleveland’s Ty Jerome prepared to inbound the ball with nine seconds remaining in regulation, the 76ers’ mascot got as close as he could without touching the Cavs’ guard. Then he broke out the spirit fingers for extra effect.
Jerome called for a timeout, but when play resumed, Franklin was right there, standing his ground and taking away any extra airspace. The result was Jerome sailing the pass across the court and right back out of bounds for a turnover.
Check out this elite mascot defense (via Reddit):
It’s hard to knock Jerome here. The former Virginia star played his best game as a pro with a career-high 33 points off the bench — including a perfect eight-for-eight from behind the arc. But that inbounds was tough to watch.
The turnover forced Cleveland to put Philly on the free throw line, where the Sixers were able to hang on for a 132-129 victory.
Paul George and Tyrese Maxey were spectacular, combining for 59 points, but obviously the game ball belongs to Franklin after this one.
