JAY-Z Loses Huge NBA Finals Bet After Indiana Pacers Defeat Oklahoma City Thunder In Game 3
JAY-Z has had “99 Problems” and has been long-rumored to have lost 92 bricks, but his recent misfortune may be his biggest yet. The 55-year-old rapper lost a huge NBA Finals bet after the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3.
Hov reportedly bet $1 million on the Thunder to defeat the Pacers in five games via Fanatics Sportsbook, per TMZ Sports. That series result is no longer possible, on the Thunder’s end at least, as the Pacers won Game 1 on the road and then took Game 3 on their home court on Wednesday evening (June 11), 116-107. Both of their wins have been by less than 10 points, while the Thunder beat them by 16 in Game 2.
Losing the bet may sting as it calls his “ball knowledge” into question, but this likely isn’t a huge hit to his overall finances. Forbes values the Brooklyn artist at $2.5 billion, meaning he lost just 0.04 percent of the money he possesses or is worth. He also helped Michael Rubin launch Fanatics Sportsbook in 2023, so if anything, he just donated to a cause that will bring him even more revenue.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Rapper Jay-Z, left, and founder and CEO of Fanatics Michael Rubin are seen prior to a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The Indiana Pacers successfully defended their home court thanks to 27 points from Bennedict Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton being one rebound shy of a 20-point triple-double, and Pascal Siakam adding 21 points.
The Thunder didn’t make it easy, as Jalen Williams led the pack with 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24 points and eight rebounds, Chet Holmgren dropped a 20-point double-double, and Luguentz Dort made four of five shots from three-point land. They will reconvene on Friday (June 13) in Indianapolis, a crucial swing game for both sides.
