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 Finals
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2
Tatum’s look ahead of his matchup with the Miami Heat Thursday featured a star-patterned jacket/pants combination and neckwear with a shiny pendant.
Conference semifinals
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Game 6
Ahead of a potential series-clinching Game 6 against the Sixers, Butler rocked a tracksuit with the logo of his coffee brand, BigFace, pictured on the back. The bucket hat was a nice addition to the all-black fit.
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.
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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.
