Malik Beasley, 3-Point Shimmy Sensation, Celebrates Pistons’ First Playoff Win Since 2008 In Style
New NBA post reveals the story behind his viral dance move taking the basketball world by storm.
Himanshi Mahajan holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University. She has two years of experience in writing news and SEO-based content for NBAJunction and Stylecraze. Himanshi combines her research skills with passion for writing to create practical and engaging articles.
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Image: Instagram
The Detroit Pistons are celebrating their first playoff victory since 2008, and one player’s signature celebration move has become the symbol of their resurgence. Malik Beasley, a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, has captured fans’ attention not only with his sharp-shooting but with his distinctive shimmy dance after successful three-pointers.
The Shimmy That Shook Detroit
In a recent Instagram post by the NBA, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at how Beasley’s now-famous three-point celebration came to life. The video shows Beasley performing his signature dance move that has become synonymous with Pistons’ highlights this season. The shimmy, which features Beasley swaying his shoulders rhythmically after hitting a three-pointer, has quickly become a fan favorite and emblematic of Detroit’s energized return to playoff basketball.
The celebration couldn’t come at a better time as the Pistons mark their first playoff win in 16 years, signaling what many hope is the beginning of a new era for the franchise that once dominated the Eastern Conference.
From Bench Spark To Cultural Icon
Beasley’s impact extends beyond just his in-game celebrations. The 28-year-old guard has emerged as one of the league’s premier bench scorers, earning him consideration for the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year award. His consistent scoring punch and energy off the bench have been crucial factors in Detroit’s return to postseason relevance.
Beasley was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets after playing college basketball for Florida State. His journey through the NBA has included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks before finding his rhythm with Detroit.
Embracing The Motor City
In a heartfelt post shared recently on his Instagram, Beasley revealed his deep connection to Detroit despite not being born there.
“Now everybody from the 313… Put your hands up and follow me!! Are y’all ready for this playoff journey?” Beasley wrote. “What a difference a year makes. It’s crazy — I really thought being from Atlanta, the Hawks would’ve been my home team. But with my mom being born and raised in Detroit, it ended up being here. This city raised her, and in a way, it raised me too.”
Beasley continued, sharing childhood memories: “Every summer, I remember my mom bringing me out here to play with my cousins — to learn what grit and grind really meant. From hoopin’ at Joe Dumars’ gym to playing football in the street on 7 Mile, I got to feel that Detroit toughness firsthand. It’s been a full circle moment ever since I got here.”
The Shimmy Goes Commercial
Beasley’s celebration has become so popular that it’s now part of Detroit’s basketball culture. Local brand SANA recently announced an official collaboration with Beasley featuring merchandise inspired by his iconic shimmy dance.
“Introducing our official collaboration with 3 point legend @mbeasy5,” SANA announced on Instagram. “SANA X BEASLEY /// 4.24.25. An official collaboration with Malik Beasley. Inspired by the iconic Beasley Shimmy and the energy he brings every time he steps on the court.”
The collection draws inspiration from the early ’90s era of Detroit basketball, featuring vintage graphics with distressed print styles designed to evoke nostalgia for the franchise’s “Bad Boys” heyday.
Detroit Basketball Renaissance
For a franchise with such a storied history, including three NBA championships and the famous “Bad Boys” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the recent playoff drought has been particularly painful for Detroit fans. Beasley seems to understand this legacy and the importance of restoring pride in Pistons basketball.
“My favorite thing as a kid? That booming voice through the speakers — DETROIT BASKETBALLLL!! Let’s bring that feeling back,” Beasley shared in his emotional post to fans.
He added: “As I continue my journey here, I’ve embraced this city and made it my own. From mile to mile, dropping off shoes in the neighborhoods… from grabbing Coney Island and Hoodbachi, to going from no fans in the arena to packed, sold-out crowds — the energy is shifting. The Bad Boys are back.”
Playoff Energy
Behind-the-scenes content shows Beasley’s commitment to the playoff push, including footage of him filming commercials for local businesses and preparing for the postseason intensity. His message to fans captures the spirit of the city’s basketball renaissance: “Detroit vs. Everybody. It’s a FEELING. And with this year’s team, it’s like we’re bringing that feeling back again.”
As Detroit continues its playoff journey, Beasley’s shimmy celebration has become more than just a post-shot dance—it represents the revival of Detroit basketball and the renewed energy surrounding a franchise looking to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite.
With his sharpshooting from beyond the arc and his infectious energy both on and off the court, Malik Beasley has quickly established himself as a fan favorite in the Motor City, proving that sometimes the most memorable parts of sports are the celebrations that bring fans to their feet.
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