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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 have also made appearances on the pregame run these playoffs.

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

Conference semifinals

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.

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

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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CHICAGO — The Cubs have placed left-hander Drew Smyly on the bereavement list and brought up right-hander Robert Gsellman from Triple-A Iowa.

Smyly was slated to start Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Right-hander Scott Effross got the call instead, beginning a bullpen day for the Cubs.

Left-hander Locke St. John was designated for assignment. He was optioned to Iowa on Sunday.

Gsellman, 28, went 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA in 17 games last season with the New York Mets. He agreed to a non-roster deal with the Cubs in March.

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The first Saturday in May is an electric factory. You have the NBA playoffs in full form. Major League Baseball is rolling in its second month. But one sporting event comes around once per year, on the first Saturday in May, and takes the race down the home straightaway faster than all the rest, and that’s the Kentucky Derby. There is no better place to take in Derby Saturday in 2022 than with Green Curtain Events and White Claw at Kentucky Derby Parties Chicago. We’ve got your ticket, table, drinks, and more for the best party day of the year!

You don’t need to be at Churchill Downs to have yourself a day. Chicago is the perfect destination for Derby festivities that provide the same level of allure and exclusivity as being in Kentucky. Though the Downs is the mecca of horse racing, it’s difficult to make it down annually. Perhaps you’ve been before, but life has put kids and a job in your path, and you want the same feelings of fun and excitement in your own neighborhood. In total, 9 of your favorite bars around the city will host exclusive events in coordination with Green Curtain Events, and the entire day is presented by White Claw. And don’t get it confused, this isn’t some background event. Each bar listed below is decked out for the Derby and will be playing the full race, with sound, and fully embracing the pageantry of the afternoon. They are:

Bounce, Whiskey Business, Hopsmith, Fatpour Wicker Park, PB&J, Paradise Park, Homeslice, The Reveler, or Rebel & Rye.

These 9 bars, which basically come together to create the 1927 Yankees of day drinking spots in Chicago will serve as a worthy backdrop to whichever venue you choose to take in your Derby experience. Kentucky Derby Parties Chicago is your one stop shop for the perfect Churchill Downs alternative. You can expect good drinks, good vibes, better company, and an electric race with your closes friends at Chicago’s best spots.

For direct ticket links, we’ve made it easy for you:

Bounce | Whiskey Business | Hopsmith | Fatpour Wicker Park | PB&J | Paradise Park | Homeslice | The Reveler | Rebel & Rye |

So gents, get those pastel suits and pocket squares in line and ladies throw on your best floppy race-day hat because it’s not too late. You still have time to take advantage. Get a bit toasty, place your winning exacta bets, and cross the finish line at the best Kentucky Derby Parties around your neighborhood. Join the Chicago Derby watch craze before you miss out.

Note: Each bar comes with a different, custom event package and price point.

For more information, visit Green Curtain Events Kentucky Derby website, or you can contact them via telephone or email at 312.579.3636 or  [email protected].

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro‘s breakout moment might have come in the NBA postseason bubble, but his best sustained play has come off the bench. He was honored for his reserve role by being named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 season, the league announced Tuesday.

“We’re trying to win a championship here, so whether it’s starting or coming off the bench for me, I accepted that role. … I’m just happy to be on this team and happy to accept my role,” Herro said last month after he was announced as a finalist for the award, along with Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cameron Johnson of the Phoenix Suns.

Herro received 96 out of a possible 100 first-place votes from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters, accumulating 488 total points (first-place votes are worth five points, second-place are worth three and third-place are worth one).

Player, Team1st2nd3rdTotalT. Herro, Miami9622488K. Love, Cle.35825214C. Johnson, Pho.12742128J. Clarkson, Utah07627L. Kannard, LAC02612B. Bogdanovic, Atl.03110K. Oubre Jr., Cha.0099D. Melton, Mem.0044M. Harrell, Cha.0103I. Quickley, NYK0022B. Clarke, Mem.0011T. Jones, Mem.0011M. Kleber, Dal.0011

Love finished in second place with 214 points (three first-place votes) and Johnson finished in third with 128 points (one first-place vote).

Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz (27 points), Luke Kennard of the LA Clippers (12 points), Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks (10 points), Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Charlotte Hornets (9 points), De’Anthony Melton of the Memphis Grizzlies (4 points), Montrezl Harrell of the Hornets (3 points), Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks (2 points), Brandon Clarke of the Grizzlies (1 point), Tyus Jones of the Grizzlies (1 point) and Maxi Kleber of the Dallas Mavericks (1 point) rounded out the rest of the voting. Clarkson won the award with the Jazz last season, and Harrell won the award with the Clippers two seasons ago.

To be eligible for the award, a player had to come off the bench in more games than he started. Herro came off the bench in 56 of the 66 games he played, averaging 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists overall. When he was a substitute, his scoring average was slightly better (20.8), and the highest for any reserve in the league.

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He is the first Heat player to win the award and just the fifth player to average at least 20 points off the bench (having played a minimum of 50 games) since starts began being tracked in the 1970-71 season, joining Thurl Bailey, Eddie Johnson, Ricky Pierce (who did it twice) and Lou Williams (who also did it twice).

Herro scored 30 or more eight times off the bench, tied for third most in a season by a reserve since 1970-71. The 2019 No. 13 pick out of the University of Kentucky came onto the scene by scoring 37 points as a rookie against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the 2020 Eastern Conference finals in the bubble, setting Miami’s single-game rookie scoring record.

He helped Miami to a 53-29 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the East. The Heat lead the Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 in the East semifinals.

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CHICAGO — The Cubs have placed left-hander Drew Smyly on the bereavement list and brought up right-hander Robert Gsellman from Triple-A Iowa.

Smyly was slated to start Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Right-hander Scott Effross got the call instead, beginning a bullpen day for the Cubs.

Left-hander Locke St. John was designated for assignment. He was optioned to Iowa on Sunday.

Gsellman, 28, went 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA in 17 games last season with the New York Mets. He agreed to a non-roster deal with the Cubs in March.

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Finally, summer is right around the corner! Besides gelatos, ice cream, and smoothies, do you know what is also on our favorite summer drink list? Matcha! Whether you’re into a simple matcha latte, or know the harmony between honey-glazed red bean with pure matcha, this summer, Chicagoan’s will find their perfect treat at Matcha Cita, Chicago’s first matcha-focused café.

Matcha Cita officially opened in the West Loop right before we turned the calendar to May. The cafe built its fame with a popular pop-up stint in Lincoln Park back in 2021, and now has its first permanent location that’s only steps from the Morgan ‘L’ station (green and pink lines).

A play on and reference to the timeless coffee date, Matcha Cita roughly translates to “matcha date” in Spanish. Cultivating personal creativity and a balanced lifestyle, Matcha Cita aims to produce a lively, welcoming experience with everything from the innovative matcha menu to the visually stylish decor.

Image Credit: Matthew Reeves

Founded by Bianca Pearson with co-owner Vincent Lujan, Matcha Cita was born out of Pearson’s love of matcha and stylish interior design. Serving as Director of Sales and Marketing for over a decade at trendy hotspots like Joy District and Flight Club Darts in Chicago, Pearson launched Pop and Props in 2019, a boutique balloon installation and event planning company.

“When I realized there was an opportunity to bring a trendy, fully matcha-focused café to Chicago, I began conceptualizing Matcha Cita. I wanted to create a photogenic space, and the menu, the decor, the music, everything was carefully curated to create an overall energetic, cheerful vibe,” said Pearson. “After our initial pop-up in Lincoln Park, I knew I wanted to open an all day café where guests could enjoy a delicious menu but also feel welcome to stay awhile.”

Image Credit: Matcha Cita

THE SPACE

Bringing Pearson’s vision to life was East Interiors, who created the colorful 1600-square-foot café that is retro and geometric in design with tropical vibes. The photo-worthy space is bold and bright with a palette of vibrant pastels, including light pink and light green walls set against a bubblegum pink ceiling with lavender lights that hang overhead.

Vivid accent pieces adorn the café like the custom-made wall panels, greenery, flowers, disco balls, tropical print wallpaper, and bold, patterned encaustic floor tiles with colors of pink, greige and cream. Adding texture to the design is a blush pink terrazzo countertop and gold leaf trim throughout the space.

Giving even more character to the space are the art installations like an interactive pink rotary phone and a neon sign that reads “Matcha Made in Heaven” on a backdrop of roses that hangs from the ceiling. In the warmer months, customers will enjoy a cozy sidewalk patio outfitted with several tables and accented by a lavender door with green trim and an encaustic tiled wall outside. Guests will enjoy soothing tropical house music while enjoying Matcha Cita’s menu.

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