Kristian Ferrell
In 2018, Texas Senator Ted Cruz challenged late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel to a charity basketball game, which Cruz won 11-9. The game, dubbed the Blobfish Basketball Classic by Kimmel, was a result of a joke made by Kimmel, who said that the Republican senator resembled a blobfish. The two men's basketball skills may not have been impressive, but the game raised more than $14,000 for charity. Cruz and Kimmel have since publicly sparred, with Cruz challenging Kimmel to a rematch in 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 18th of June 2018 |
| Winner | Ted Cruz |
| Runner-up | Jimmy Kimmel |
| Final score | 11-9 |
| Event | Blobfish Basketball Classic |
| Location | Texas Southern University’s Health and Physical Education Arena |
| Charity | Texas Children's Hospital; Generation One |
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What You'll Learn
Ted Cruz beat Jimmy Kimmel 11-9
In a surprising turn of events, Texas Senator Ted Cruz beat late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel in a charity basketball game in June 2018. The game, dubbed the "Blobfish Basketball Classic" by Kimmel, took place at Texas Southern University's Health and Physical Education Arena. The final score was 11-9, with Cruz coming out on top in a close match.
The rivalry between Cruz and Kimmel began when Kimmel made a joke on his show, comparing the Republican senator to a blobfish, a bottom-dwelling ocean creature. Cruz responded by challenging Kimmel to a basketball game, and the two agreed to a one-on-one match. The game was highly anticipated, with crowds starting to fill the arena hours before the start time.
Despite the hype, the game itself was described as a "slow-motion car-crash of half-court basketball" by the Houston Chronicle. Both players displayed a lack of basketball prowess, with a lot of dribbling, bumping, and missed shots. In the end, Cruz managed to edge out a victory, scoring the winning shot from the sideline to make the final score 11-9.
The Blobfish Basketball Classic raised more than $14,000 for charity, with Kimmel's charity being the Texas Children's Hospital and Cruz donating to Generation One, a transdenominational ministry. While the game may not have been a display of athletic excellence, it certainly provided entertainment and raised money for worthy causes.
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The game was for charity
The game between Jimmy Kimmel and Senator Ted Cruz was played for charity. The game was born out of a joke by Kimmel, who said the Republican senator resembled an ocean-bottom-dwelling blobfish. Cruz responded by challenging Kimmel to a basketball game. The game was dubbed the "Blobfish Basketball Classic" and was played at Texas Southern University. The two-hour game was shortened as neither player appeared capable of reaching 15 points and winning by two. The final score was 11-9 in favour of Cruz.
The game was described as "a slow-motion car crash of half-court basketball" by the Houston Chronicle. Kimmel himself said, "We apologize to the game of basketball." Despite the light-hearted nature of the game, it had a serious purpose, with two Houston charities benefiting from the proceeds. The game highlighted the importance of giving back and using one's platform for a good cause. It also showed that even light-hearted competitions can have a positive impact on the community.
Kimmel and Cruz's basketball game is an excellent example of how celebrities and public figures can use their influence to give back to society and raise awareness for important causes. The game brought attention to the work of charities in Houston and the importance of supporting those in need. It also provided an opportunity to bring people together and raise funds for worthwhile causes. The event showed that charity can be combined with fun and light-hearted competition to create a positive impact.
The Blobfish Basketball Classic demonstrated that charity events can be creative and engaging. By incorporating a friendly basketball game, Kimmel and Cruz not only raised funds but also provided entertainment and a unique experience for those following the event. This approach can help to engage new audiences and encourage participation in charitable giving. Overall, the game was a successful example of how charity can be incorporated into various activities to make a positive difference.
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Cruz challenged Kimmel to the game
On his show, Jimmy Kimmel blamed the Houston Rockets' playoff loss on Senator Ted Cruz. In response, Cruz challenged Kimmel to a basketball game. Kimmel had also compared Cruz to a blobfish, saying that the senator resembled the ocean-bottom-dwelling creature.
Cruz responded to the personal attack by issuing a challenge to Kimmel because he had "besmirched [his] support for the Houston Rockets". He said that he would put up $5,000 to the non-political charity of Kimmel's choice if Kimmel beat him in a head-to-head matchup. Kimmel accepted the challenge, with the condition that they both wear short shorts. Cruz, however, was not sold on the idea, citing the film 'Borat'.
The game, dubbed the 'Blobfish Basketball Classic' by Kimmel, took place on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Texas Southern University's Health & Physical Education Arena in Houston. It was a two-hour one-on-one match, with each basket worth a single point. Cruz ultimately won the game, 11-9.
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The game was dubbed the Blobfish Basketball Classic
The game was a one-on-one match, with each basket worth a single point. It lasted two hours and was played at Texas Southern University. Cruz and Kimmel had originally agreed to donate $5,000 to a charity of the other's choice if they lost. However, they each ended up promising to give $10,000 to both charities. Cruz chose Generation One Texas, which fights poverty, and Kimmel selected the Texas Children's Hospital.
The game was filled with trash talk and jokes, with Kimmel offering to apologize to the game of basketball and joking that he would need to go to the hospital before the game was over. Kimmel also referenced the debate over President Donald Trump's policy of separating children from their parents after they illegally crossed the border, asking Cruz if he had spent more time practicing basketball than trying to get those kids out of detention.
In the end, Cruz outlasted Kimmel, winning the game 11-9. Despite the lighthearted nature of the game, it had political implications, with Cruz's circle seeing it as an opportunity to humanize him and show that he could take a joke.
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The game was a one-on-one half-court match
The game was slow-moving, with a lot of dribbling, bumping, and shooting, but not a lot of scoring. It was supposed to be a first-to-15-points game, but this was shortened to first to 11 points. Cruz was the first to reach 10 points, but Kimmel scored twice soon after, bringing the score to 10-9. After a long dry spell, Cruz launched the winning shot from the sideline, winning the game 11-9.
The Blobfish Basketball Classic was held at Texas Southern University's Health and Physical Education Arena, with about half of the 8,100 seats filled by game time. While the game was not a display of exceptional basketball prowess, it did raise more than $14,000 for charity.
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Frequently asked questions
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz beat late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel with a final score of 11-9.
The Blobfish Basketball Classic.
The game was born out of a joke from Kimmel, who said the Republican senator resembled a blobfish. Cruz responded by challenging Kimmel to a basketball game.
The game took place on June 16, 2018.
The game was a one-on-one half-court game, with each basket worth a single point. The game was originally supposed to be first-to-15-points but was shortened to first-to-11.
