Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.

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The postseason has provided entertaining hoops on the court and eye-catching fits from players off it. Stars have shown up in various attire like boxing robes, vibrant coats and sweaters. Suits, stuffed animal accessories and luxury fashion brands also have made appearances on the pregame runway during these playoffs.

Here’s a round-by-round look at some of the more stylish clothing worn by NBA players this postseason:

Conference semifinals

Steven Adams and Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5

Before Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, Adams and Jones went extremely casual with some old-school Grizzlies looks.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 5

Ahead of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul wore a shirt with Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, pictured on it. The Suns also showed their support for Griner with decals on the court.

Theo Pinson, Dallas Mavericks, Game 3

Sometimes, basketball and football worlds overlap, and such was the case when Pinson showed love to his alma mater, arriving with a North Carolina Tar Heels letterman jacket and matching helmet.

(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

The 17-season veteran decided to don an all-leather fit on his 37th birthday.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 2

Black was the color of choice for the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader heading into Tuesday’s game, with his coat looking extra roomy.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum arrived at TD Garden on Tuesday sporting a jacket with numerous college logos. One of the featured decals is his alma mater, the Duke Blue Devils. Some other team emblems stitched on the piece include the Kentucky Wildcats, UConn Huskies, UCLA Bruins and Georgetown Hoyas.

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Round 1

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6

Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived before the series-clinching Game 6 against Minnesota wearing a multicolored Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1s.

After the game, Grizzlies teammate Dillon Brooks pitted his outfit against Jackson’s.

“First off, before you guys start, who has the better fit: me or Trip [Jackson]?” Brooks said.

Jackson’s fit didn’t win over Brooks, per the reporters. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the outcome.

“That’s because I’m experimental … I push boundaries,” Jackson said.

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Game 5

Ahead of the Bulls’ win-or-go-home contest against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, DeRozan honored Illinois music artist Juice WRLD with his outfit. The Chicago guard wore a Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie made by fashion company Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, died of a drug overdose in December 2019.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, Game 3

Simmons’ look Saturday courtside against the Boston Celtics contrasted the Nets’ black and white uniforms perfectly.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

Ahead of Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul put together an impressive suit combination. Quite the color choice.

Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Game 3

Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru during his 14-year career, especially with his striking scarves during his days with the Toronto Raptors. His eccentric fashion made another appearance heading into Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. The casual fit featured a brim hat, cardigan and a handbag.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Smart won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, the first time a point guard has secured the honor since Gary Payton during the 1995-96 season. Given it is Smart’s first time winning DPOY, he donned a special robe that signified his accomplishment entering Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets.

James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Game 1

Harden is no stranger to luxury couture. Last year, he was seen at Paris Fashion Week and was named to the board of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ahead of his playoff debut with the Sixers, he sported the Louis Vuitton Blue & White “Puppet” Varsity Jacket. The colorful crocheted stuffed figures pinned on the coat really make the jacket stand out.

Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philly, but since that number is retired in honor of Allen Iverson, he had a decision to make.

“All my life, I’ve worn 3. Couldn’t get that one here,” said the first-round pick.

He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey that featured several photos of the Basketball Hall of Famer.

It ended up being a fitting outfit choice. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 were the most in a playoff opener by a 76ers player since A.I. in 2003.

Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz, Game 1

Some players have an adventurous take on fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little personalization, these Jazz stars had no issues rocking the tried-and-true combination.

Clarkson donned a white Midnight Studios button-up shirt with a black tie and slacks, with the leather harness adding a modern spin on an old classic.

Bogdanovic chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 1

After missing a month with a foot injury, Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup on April 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.

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This fresh summer weather calls for frosted glass and some local brew! Well, beer lovers are in luck as American Craft Beer Week and Illinois Craft Beer Weeks are both back in Chicago this year!. Local bars and restaurants will be featuring brews from your favorite local and national breweries to kickstart your summer right!

Image Credit: Old Town Pour House

1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Celebrate beloved local brews at Old Town Pour House during the American Craft Beer Week this year! Named one of the best craft beer bars in the U.S. with locations in Chicago, Oakbrook and Naperville, this iconic bar is featuring delicious pairings and enticing deals! First, a tailor-made, menu item joins the party. Guests can enjoy a delicious Italian Beef Flatbread (shaved ribeye, roasted garlic puree, mozzarella, beer cheese sauce, giardiniera, and beer jus dipping sauce – $15). Dovetail’s Vienna Lager is featured as the perfect pairing, celebrating this local brewery.

In addition, guests can take advantage of $2 off Bottlenectar drafts, Bottleneck’s collab brew with Goose Island, along with their choice of flights to sample craft brews from across Chicagoland and the Midwest.

Image Credit: Eataly

43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Our favorite local spot is going hardcore for this mega beer celebration! From beer-driven cocktail to craft beer pro talks. Events include:

Mixology Monday: on Monday, May 16, join Eataly’s cocktail specialist Jordan Anderson will mix up three cocktails using their housemade brews: White Russian, Michelada, and Negroni.
Brewery Field Day: on Tuesday, May 17, Eataly will host brewers and reprentatives from Half Acre Brewing Company, Revolution Brewing, and Dogfish Head Beer at Birreria.
Off-Centered Cabaret: on Wednesday, May 18, treat yourself to a night of dinner cabaret entertainment with Dogfish Head in Birreria, Eataly’s brew pub.

For more details and registration, check out their website!

1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

On Sunday, May 15, NEIPA will do a Tap Takeover at Forbidden Root, a beloved local restaurant and brewery. Celebrate their iconic New England IPA (NEIPA) on that day as all 16 taps at Forbidden Root will be flowing with juicy brews. This year, Forbidden Root is also partnering up with Corridor to debut two New England IPAs during Illinois Craft Beer Week (ICBW)!

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

What is Chicago’s brewing industry known for other than the tasty drinks? The community spirit, of course! On Monday, May 16, from 6-9 pm, Hops for Hope beer festival will take place at Old Irving Brewing. This indoor beer festival will feature over 20 local breweries. Proceeds go to Hope For The Day, a nonprofit that achieves proactive suicide prevention by providing outreach and mental health education.

Featured Image Credit: Old Town Pour House

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Some players spend their offseasons in Cancun, Mexico. Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who officially won a second straight NBA Most Valuable Player trophy, goes to Sombor, Serbia.

Despite Denver’s first round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors, the 27-year-old Serbian native put together an impressive season, leading the Nuggets to a 48-34 record.

Jokic averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists in his regular-season MVP campaign. He also became the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season.

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He’s the second consecutive international player to win two MVPs in a row after Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved the same feat in 2019 and 2020. Jokic joins Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Stephen Curry as the only active players with multiple MVP awards.

When asked how he might celebrate winning the award, he had a simple answer.

“Probably with some music, beer, friends around, family,” he said. “Like how you’re supposed to do probably.”

The Nuggets helped Jokic do just that by flying to his hometown of Sombor, to present him with his new hardware.

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DENVER — Nikola Jokic plays for Denver. And for Serbia.

Both places can once again make the same claim: For the second consecutive season, they’re home to the best player in the NBA.

The league announced Wednesday night that Jokic had captured back-to-back MVP awards. The Nuggets’ big man is the second consecutive international player to win two in a row, after Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo — who hails from Greece — earned the title in 2019 and 2020.

This marks the first time international players have won the award in four consecutive seasons. Canada’s Steve Nash went back-to-back for Phoenix in 2005 and 2006, followed by Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki winning for Dallas in 2007.

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International players finished 1-2-3 in this year’s MVP voting. Jokic got 65 first-place votes and 875 points from the panel of sportswriters and broadcasters that cover the league and decide on awards. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was second with 26 first-place votes and 706 points; Antetokounmpo was third, with nine first-place votes and 595 points. Devin Booker of Phoenix wound up fourth.

“I don’t know what else you can say about Nikola at this point,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said in a statement. “He’s consistently improved his game, he’s consistently proven people wrong when they doubt him and he’s consistently the best player on the floor night in and night out.”

The 27-year-old Jokic averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists on a team that was missing two max players in Jamal Murray (ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (back). The do-it-all center nicknamed “Joker” created a new category, too, in becoming the first NBA player to eclipse 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season.

He’s now a member of another rare club — the 13th player to win back-to-back NBA MVP awards. He joined the likes of Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James (twice), Nash, Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (twice). Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell each won the award in three straight seasons.

Jokic was taken by the Nuggets with the 41st pick in the 2014 draft. His selection that day flashed across the bottom of the television screen during a Taco Bell commercial.

He’s come a long way. He’s eligible for a supermax extension that could guarantee him nearly $254 million over five seasons starting with 2023-24.

James extended his record, too — 19 years in the league, 19 years of getting at least one vote in the MVP balloting (a fifth-place vote). Nobody has gotten votes in more seasons, or obviously, in more consecutive seasons than James.

Despite their disastrous season — the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t even make the play-in tournament — James’ numbers remained among the league’s best. The 37-year-old averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, moving past Karl Malone for No. 2 on the all-time scoring list and into position to pass Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leader late next season.

James has seen the game change during his 19 seasons. He was part of the last USA Basketball team that didn’t win Olympic gold — the squad that went to Athens in 2004 — and even was convinced then that the game was only getting stronger around the world.

Jokic is further proof of that happening.

He’s not demonstrating it by himself, either. Antetokounmpo and Embiid have more than done their part. Dallas’ Luka Doncic (fifth in the MVP vote) is already a EuroLeague champion and certainly seems like he’ll win at least one NBA MVP award before he’s done.

They are the new class of international greats, following in the footsteps of Nowitzki, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Pau and Marc Gasol, Yao Ming and others. The debate will rage about which international player — either now or all-time — is the best, but Antetokounmpo (two MVP’s and a championship) and now Jokic (two MVP’s after being a second-round pick) have surely entered the chat.

Canada got a championship in 2019 when the Toronto Raptors won the NBA title. That night, the Canadian flag was soaked in champagne, Pascal Siakam danced with the flag of Cameroon around his shoulders, team President Masai Ujiri did interviews with a Nigerian scarf around his neck, and they were only a few of the Raptors with deep international ties.

It’s not inconceivable that five international players could be lottery picks in next month’s draft. And there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t see France’s Victor Wembanyama — a 7-foot-2 player with guard skills — as the certain No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft right now.

Those newcomers will want to be like Jokic. They’ll want to be the MVP, and he’s just the latest name to show those kids from around the world that it’s possible.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lorenzen Wright’s ex-wife should not be granted early release from a 30-year prison sentence she received after pleading guilty to plotting the retired NBA player’s 2010 slaying, a Tennessee Board of Parole member said Wednesday.

Barrett Rich recommended the board deny parole for Sherra Wright during a hearing at the Nashville prison where she has been held since she pleaded guilty in July 2019 to facilitation of first-degree murder.

The rest of the seven-member board will now review Sherra Wright’s parole case. A final decision will be reached when there are three votes that agree, a process that could take a couple of weeks.

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Sherra Wright received the hearing based on her so-called “safety valve” date, which is the earliest possible release date for some inmates under an executive order regarding prison overcrowding. Tennessee’s Department of Correction said she has received more than three years of credit related to her time served.

Lorenzen Wright’s slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. His decomposing body was found riddled with bullet wounds in a swampy field in east Memphis on July 28, 2010. The 34-year-old father of six had been missing for days before his body was discovered.

A Memphis native, Wright was a 6-foot, 11-inch center who played 13 seasons in the NBA before he retired after the 2008-2009 season.

Billy Ray Turner and Sherra Wright were indicted on first-degree murder charges in December 2017, more than seven years after the killing. She entered a surprise guilty plea on the lesser charge of facilitation of murder, but Turner claimed he was innocent and went to trial. He was convicted in March of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

A third person involved in the plot, Jimmie Martin, testified about the scheme at Turner’s trial. Martin was convicted of a separate murder after Wright’s slaying and is serving prison time in that case. Martin received immunity in return for testimony that helped convict Turner.

A motive for the slaying was not made clear during the trial, though prosecutors said the killers were driven by jealousy and greed. Sherra Wright received $1 million from her ex-husband’s life insurance policy and settled a court dispute in 2014 over how she spent the insurance money meant to benefit their six children.

Sherra Wright testified at the parole hearing, saying she has done well in classes she is taking from prison and has a support system to help her when she is released. Two of her children gave statements on her behalf.

Among those speaking against her early release was Lorenzen Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion. She said Sherra Wright should serve the full 30 years of her sentence.

Rich, the parole board member, praised Sherra Wright for doing well in prison. But he declined to support parole, citing the seriousness of the crime to which she pleaded guilty.

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SAN DIEGO — Chicago Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner came out of Wednesday’s series finale against the Padres with a sore right ankle an inning after colliding with second base umpire Dan Iassogna in center field.

Hoerner was on the ground in pain after the collision in the first inning and was tended to by a trainer. He stayed in, batted in the second inning and struck out. Hoerner was replaced in the bottom half of the inning by Ildemaro Vargas.

Hoerner was running out to take the throw from Jason Heyward after Jurickson Profar hit a flyball over the center fielder’s head for a triple.

Iassogna appeared to be fine and stayed in the game.

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CHICAGO — A former athletic trainer for the White Sox is alleging in a lawsuit that he was fired by the team because of his sexual orientation, age and disability.

The actions of White Sox general manager Rick Hahn and the club, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in Cook County, caused Brian Ball “significant emotional and monetary damages, as well as damage to his reputation and name.” The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

In a team statement, the White Sox described Ball’s allegations as “baseless” and promised to vigorously defend the organization’s reputation.

“It is extremely disappointing that a former colleague, who was supported, developed and promoted over two decades, chose to attack the club in this way,” the team said Tuesday. “It is also surprising to many who know Brian, and supported him throughout his career, to read the allegations included in his lawsuit.”

The White Sox said Ball’s dismissal “was based on his performance and did not run afoul of any of the protections afforded to employees under the law.”

Ball, now 50, was hired by Chicago in September 2000, to serve as an assistant trainer alongside head trainer Herm Schneider. Ball was on the athletic training staff when the team won the World Series in 2005.

According to the lawsuit, White Sox management, including executive vice president Ken Williams, Hahn and assistant general manager Jeremy Haber, learned in February 2018 that Ball was gay. The suit doesn’t specify how they became aware of Ball’s sexual orientation.

When Schneider’s retirement was announced that December, Ball was promoted to head athletic trainer.

In February 2020, according to the suit, Ball was told by Haber and a senior medical adviser with the team that his position was being “altered” and he would serve in more of an administrative role.

Ball “was told that he should not be giving any treatments to the players but directing the other trainers to do so,” according to the lawsuit.

In July 2020, Ball was beaten by two men and his car was stolen. Following an examination by a team physician, he was placed on medical leave.

According to the suit, Hahn made “continuous statements” to athletic training personnel in September 2020 that Ball had a gambling, alcohol or drug addiction that was related to the carjacking. The suit said none of those accusations “were or are true.”

Ball was told by Hahn on Oct. 26, 2020, that he had been dismissed, according to the lawsuit. He received a severance package that was identical to the provisions of his two-year contract with the team that was slated to run through October 2021.

Ball alleges he was contacted by a “White Sox management level representative” in December 2020, referred to as individual “A” in the suit. He was told his termination was because of his sexual orientation, based on a “knowledgeable White Sox senior management representative disclosure,” according to the lawsuit.

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Other than patios, bbq, and lakeside walks, May is also the perfect time to learn something new, as it is Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. With Chicago’s large AAPI population, you’ll never have any trouble finding fun, informative events, and delicious restaurants to get a taste of the east. But just to save you some time, we have hand-picked the best events, museums, and organizations around Chicago where you can learn about the Windy City’s AAPI Heritage.

238 W 23rd St, Chicago, IL 60616

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago has been a cultural hub since its opening in May 2005, featuring rotating events and exhibits. Currently, the museum has an exhibition of Laura Lynn Hsieh, whose draws inspiration from her experience growing up in an all-white neighborhood as a first-gen Chinese-American. Other exhibits currently open to the public include Chinese American Veterans: Unsung Heroes, Era of Opulence: Chinese Fine Dining, and Attic Treasures II.  

There is no better way to experience a different culture than through its food.  At this year’s AAPI Restaurant Week, you will find 30+ Asian and Pacific Island-style restaurants serving up the best dishes from Indonesia to the Philippines.

From May 13th to 22nd, restaurants such as Saigon Sisters (Vietnamese) and Siam Rice (Thai) will introduce the most popular dishes from their respective regions with a modern twist. The participants will also present traditional fare to teach local Chicagoans more about the flavors, ingredients, and customs of different AAPI countries and regions. 

3401 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Hear bestselling Korean author Jeong Soon Shin speak about her fiction and answer questions on Tuesday, May 31st, at Chicago Public Library – Albany Park Branch. This is the perfect opportunity to look into the life of Korean Americans and learn about Korean culture. Shin will also share some fiction writing tips for aspiring writers!

Note: If attending-person, the library requests unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals to keep face-covering on throughout the event.

180 N Michigan Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60637

Learn about Chicago’s AAPI heritage and history at “My America: Immigrant and Refugee Writers Today,” a new author’s series presented by American Writers Museum. Hear stories from authors identifying as refugees and immigrants directly. Participating AAPI authors include R.O. Kwon, Joe Ide, Yiyun Li, and Dipika Mukherjee. This event is virtual and RSVPs can be made here.

2646 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

Bringing Japanese voices to the Midwest, the Chicago Japan Film Collective will showcase 14 films in-person and online from May 21st thru 30th this year. The 2022 edition of the collective surrounds the theme of “love,” emphasizing on the return of in-person contact. The Collective hopes to spread a message of love that breaks through ethnicity and cultural differences, and participants are encouraged to dive into the culture, art, and what Chicago’s AAPI heritage truly stands for.

Image Credit: FPDCC.COM

W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

As the spring we’ve all waited so long for finally arrives in Chicago, celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by getting outside and interacting with other members of the community. This year’s Spring Festival at Caldwell Woods will have a special AAPi Heritage Month celebration.

On May 15th from 1 to 3 PM, you can find Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders coming together to share art, crafts, storytelling, and a day of connectedness. Being a free event, this is the perfect opportunity for families, groups, and community members to learn more about AAPI Heritage. 

Featured Image Credit: Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

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Celebrate this AAPI Heritage Month with the best tuna crispy rice in Chicago!. These bite-sized delicacies exploded on TikTok and social media over the past year. Typically made from leftover rice, tuna crispy rice contains fried and seasoned rice patties topped with fresh tuna and mayonnaise or other spicy sauce. A new hotspot for sushi fare, the Chicago restaurant scene has whipped up its own take on this trending dish. Below are the best places to get tuna crispy rice in the city.

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Located in River North, Sunda blends the culinary styles and authentic flavors of regions throughout Southeast Asia. Their spicy tuna crispy rice is topped with masago, chives, sriracha, rayu, and serrano pepper and has risen to the top as a staple on their menu. 

632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

Possibly the most glamorous spot to dine on tuna crispy rice, the dimmed ambiance at TAO Chicago makes it the perfect spot for a special dinner. Their delicious tuna crispy rice features a  specialty sauce made with spicy mayonnaise and kabayaki. For a vegetarian option, try their Tofu Crispy Rice!

616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opened first in New York City in 2004, Lure Fishbar brings the high-paced style and energy of the big apple to Chicago. Their extensive menu of sushi and raw bar offerings includes a flavorful twist on tuna crispy rice.

4712 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

This Uptown Japanese restaurant serves up both classic and inventive sushi creations. The fun atmosphere and reasonable prices at Agami make them a prime spot to try out a new sushi dish. On their tuna crispy rice, you’ll find a flaming combination of jalapeno masago, a house-made spicy sauce, and unagi sauce.

21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

While not exclusively a sushi restaurant, Shaw’s Crab House does know a thing or two about fresh seafood. Highly rated for their crab legs, their wide-ranging, fresh sushi menu includes a tasty version of tuna crispy rice. Shaw’s Crab House has two locations in River North and Schaumburg. 

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Who doesn’t love their crispy tuna rice being delivered to them on a conveyer belt? Sushi rotary’s have become a massive hit around Chicago and the Chinatown location of Sushi + is a monster draw. You can get everything from bite-sized apps to hot plates and ramen as well as sashimi, crispy tuna rice, and any type of roll your heart desires.

Featured Image Credit: Sunda New Asian

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