Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff hopes at risk after Isaac Okoro's 'workout curse' video sparks superstitions amongst fans

NBA fans love a good superstition, and in recent years, a strange belief has taken hold: posting team workout videos could doom a franchise’s postseason hopes. It all started in 2022 when the Phoenix Suns shared footage of players working out in a tunnel after a regular-season victory. Just weeks later, they suffered a humiliating playoff exit at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks, losing Game 7 in embarrassing fashion, 123-90. Now, Cleveland Cavaliers fans are holding their breath after forward Isaac Okoro shared a similar clip online. Could history repeat itself?

The idea of a workout-related jinx traces back to Phoenix’s ill-fated postseason collapse. When the Phoenix Suns posted their celebratory tunnel session, no one thought much of it. But after their shocking loss to Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals, fans couldn't ignore the coincidence.
Ever since, social media has been quick to react whenever a team uploads workout footage, fearing it might bring bad luck. The Suns' Game 7 disaster remains one of the biggest surprises in recent NBA history.


The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the best teams in the league this season, holding a commanding 4.5 game lead in the Eastern Conference with a stellar 58-14 record. They've been dominant on both ends of the floor, looking primed for a deep playoff run.
Then came Okoro’s video. As soon as the footage hit social media, fans began drawing comparisons to the Suns' infamous post. "Not the workout curse!" one fan wrote. Others joked that Okoro might have just "jinxed the whole season."

While the idea of a workout curse is mostly in good fun, NBA fans have long believed in superstitions. "Superstitions are part of the game," said a Cavaliers supporter. If the Cavaliers suffer an unexpected playoff loss to an inferior opponent, many will point to Okoro’s video as a reason for their downfall.
The Cavaliers, led by a talented roster, are expected to be serious contenders for the NBA title. But should things go south in the postseason, fans will undoubtedly point back to Okoro’s video. If they end up on the wrong side of a major upset, expect the "workout curse" theory to gain even more traction.
Also Read: “Put this on me…': Donovan Mitchell puts NSFW words on him as Cleveland Cavaliers lost four consecutive games
For now, Cleveland is in control of its destiny. They have played at an elite level all season, showing resilience and consistency, but if Okoro’s post does prove to be a bad omen, critics and superstitious fans alike will be quick to link any playoff struggles back to the video.