Atlanta’s vibrant culture took center stage on national television Friday night, as a lighthearted discussion on NBA on Prime turned to the city’s legendary strip club, Magic City.
The viral moment, featuring sports journalist Taylor Rooks and retired NBA star Blake Griffin, has Atlantans buzzing about the intersection of sports, entertainment, and local flavor.
The exchange occurred during a segment on the streaming service’s NBA coverage, where hosts Rooks, Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steve Nash reacted to the Atlanta Hawks’ upcoming “Magic City Monday” event.
Scheduled for March 16 during the Hawks’ game against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena, the promotion celebrates one of Atlanta’s most famous institutions with a performance by rapper T.I., servings of Magic City’s renowned lemon-pepper wings, and limited-edition merchandise.
Rooks, who grew up in Gwinnett County, Georgia, shared a personal anecdote about the club. “I am from Georgia, that was my first strip club experience. Good times,” she said with a laugh. “You see some things in there that make you say wow.”
Griffin, known for his quick wit both on and off the court, couldn’t resist chiming in. “Let’s do a demo,” he quipped, prompting laughter from the panel and sending social media into a frenzy. Nash, ever the pragmatist, followed up with, “How much are the sweatshirts?”
The clip, posted on X by @BrickCenter_, quickly amassed over 270,000 views, 5,400 likes, and hundreds of reposts.
Fans flooded the comments with reactions, from praising Griffin’s boldness to joking about potential HR calls. One user wrote, “Blake saw the alley-oop and HAD to finish it 😭,” while another noted, “That boy for sure from Oklahoma 😂😂😂.”
Magic City, located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, has long been a staple of the city’s nightlife and hip-hop scene.
Founded in 1985, it’s famous not just for its entertainment but also for its food—particularly those sticky, flavorful wings that have drawn celebrities, athletes, and locals alike.
The Hawks’ decision to honor it reflects Atlanta’s unique blend of sports and culture, much like previous theme nights celebrating the city’s music and history.
For Rooks, the moment was a nod to her Georgia roots. The 33-year-old journalist, who has interviewed stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, often highlights her Southern upbringing.
Griffin, a six-time All-Star who retired in 2024 after stints with the Clippers, Pistons, Nets, and Celtics, has transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, bringing his humor to Prime Video’s NBA team.
While some viewers raised eyebrows at the risqué banter on a family-friendly sports broadcast, the overall tone was playful, aligning with the unfiltered style that has made NBA on Prime a hit.
As one fan commented on social media, “Blake Griffin just gave Amazon its first inside the NBA moment and Taylor Rooks is fighting for her life.”
The Hawks’ “Magic City Monday” is set to bring that energy to the arena, with tickets already selling briskly. Fans can expect T.I.’s hits, wing tastings, and exclusive gear—perhaps even those sweatshirts Nash inquired about.
In a city where basketball and nightlife collide, this viral clip is a reminder of Atlanta’s outsized influence on pop culture.
Whether you’re cheering for the Hawks or just craving some wings, Magic City continues to make waves far beyond Fulton County.
For more on Atlanta sports and entertainment, stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com.
