Imagine that, after over a year and a half of contemplating the series’ finale, George R.R. Martin and the creators of HBO’s Game of Thrones decided to flip the script.
Imagine that when Season 8 finally premieres this Sunday, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister and the rest of their armies are no longer preparing for a sword fight against the White Walkers. Instead, the two sides are lacing up their shoes and cleats, preparing to seal their fates by competing in two high-stakes contests: The NBA playoffs and the Champions League knockout stages.