50 Cent gave quite the motivational speech to the Indiana Pacers ahead of their win against the Houston Rockets earlier this week.
On Thursday night (March 9), 50 was a guest at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the Pacers took on the visiting Rockets. Before tip-off, the media mogul made his way into the Pacers’ locker room to help rally the troops and motivate them to victory.
The Pacers’ Instagram account shared footage of the pre-game interaction between Fif and the players, which saw the G-Unit general dishing out some inspirational words.
“I love you, man,” 50 said as he walked around the locker room. “Did I tell you I love you? Do you feel like you need to be loved? You understand? They want to be competitive in the game, right? This is not a game. This is very serious. This is real life.”
According to the Pacers’ Instagram caption, the clip captured the parts of 50’s speech they were “able to post on social media.”
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The Pacers went on to beat the Rockets 134-125 in an overtime game, during which their All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton poured in a team-high 29 points and 19 assists.
Haliburton actually arrived at the game wearing a Get Rich or Die Tryin’ T-shirt, which earned the approval of 50 Cent.
“Now he done made me a big ass fan,” 50 wrote on Instagram. “SMH you see how that works 29pts and 19ast @tyresehaliburton he dropped 40 the game before this.”
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50 Cent has been making the most of his time with the Indiana Pacers. Earlier this week, the Power mogul linked up with actor Will Ferrell and participated in a pre-game segment involving a go-kart.
“Ran into one of my favorite actors Will Ferrell at the game #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi,” Fif wrote on Instagram. “Indiana Pacers vs 76ers first the eagles now this I’m done.”
50’s recent affinity for the Pacers makes sense because he has a sponsorship deal in place with them. Last October, the NBA franchise announced they had agreed a multi-year partnership with 50’s premium wine and spirits company Sire Spirits LLC, making them the team’s exclusive beverage partner.
“What impressed me most about the Pacers organization was its firm commitment to the community which will allow me to extend my charitable efforts into Indianapolis,” 50 said in a statement at the time. “I am also excited to have my brands featured at one of the countries newest premiere entertainment venues.
“I’m excited to be a part of the new development that Gainbridge Fieldhouse will bring to the city of Indianapolis. I look forward to meeting and spending time with the fans.”
The Queens native’s deal with the Pacers followed similar deals with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Texans and, coincidentally, the Houston Rockets.
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