Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, and some players have made a name for themselves for their wardrobe choices.
The playoffs provided fun basketball on the court and a compelling fit from players off the court. Celebrities showed up in a variety of outfits, such as boxing robes, energy coats and sweaters. Suits, stuffed animal accessories and luxury fashion brands also appeared on the pregame track during the playoffs.
Here are some of the more stylish outfits NBA players have worn in the playoffs:
Conference finals
Jordan PooleGolden State Warriors, Game 2
Poole had a breakout year, earning him the nickname ‘The Poole Party’ to complement Stephen Curry and Klay ThompsonThe Splash Bros. nickname. Before Game 2 against the Mavericks, he donned a Poole Party graphic T-shirt and some camouflage pants.
Let’s party. pic.twitter.com/ty0czbkNH5
β Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 20, 2022
Jayson TatumBoston Celtics, Game 2
Tatum showed off a star-patterned jacket and pants combo and a neckline with sparkly pendants during Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat.
π Jayson Tatum arrives in Miami for Game 2 @celtics Looking forward to this series! #phantomcam
ECF Game 2: Celtics βοΈ vs. Heatπ₯
8:30pm ET/ESPN pic.twitter.com/GEDTLhHCqsβNBA (@NBA) May 19, 2022
Conference Semifinals
Jimmy ButlerMiami Heat, Game 6
Ahead of a possible series Game 6 against the 76ers, Butler wore a tracksuit with the logo of his coffee brand BigFace on the back. Bucket hats are a great addition to the all-black silhouette.
.@Jimmy Butler Game 6 tonight against the 76ersπ₯
πΊ: 7pm ET on ESPN pic.twitter.com/RauRKvO4Fy
β ESPN (@espn) May 12, 2022
Guess who? βοΈ pic.twitter.com/AxcAq4T62j
β Miami Heat (@MiamiHEAT) May 12, 2022
Steven Adams and Tess JonesMemphis Grizzlies, Game 5
Adams and Jones carried some old-school Grizzlies looks pretty casual ahead of Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors.
Put on a bear. pic.twitter.com/ldOKyKL12r
β Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 11, 2022
Chris PaulPhoenix Suns, Game 5
Before Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul wore a printed Phoenix Mercury Star Britney Greenner, has been detained in Russia since February, photo. The Suns also showed their support for Griner with decals on the court.
is 42.
βοΈ @CP3 pic.twitter.com/AsdVo8bDvL
β Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 11, 2022
a family. #WeAreBG
Tribute to Brittney Griner on our court for the remainder of the playoffs. π𧑠pic.twitter.com/7AS3JZ5FYc
β Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 10, 2022
Theo PinsonDallas Mavericks, Game 3
Sometimes the basketball and football worlds overlap, and that was the case when Pinson showed his love to his alma mater, wearing a North Carolina Tar Heels messenger jacket and matching helmet.
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3
The 17-season veteran decided to wear a full-leather fit for his 37th birthday.
β Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 7, 2022
Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors, Game 2
Black was the color of choice for the NBA’s all-time 3-point shooter heading into Tuesday’s game, and his coat looked roomier.
Stephen arrives in style in Game 2 in Memphis!
this @warrior Looking forward to a 2-0 series lead π
Game 2: Warriors vs. Grizzlies, 9:30pm/ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/MR0kdyMfxQβNBA (@NBA) May 4, 2022
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2
On Tuesday, Tatum arrived at TD Garden wearing a jacket emblazoned with many of the college’s logos. One of the featured decals is his alma mater, the Duke Blue Devils. Some of the other team logos sewn onto the piece include the Kentucky Wildcats, the University of Connecticut Huskies, the UCLA Bears and the Georgetown Hoyas.
Jayson Tatum starts in style in Game 2 @celtics Looking forward to tying the series at 1-1! #phantomcam
πΏ BUCKS/CELTICS 7:00pm/ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/Zub2qo4Xsl
βNBA (@NBA) May 3, 2022
Round 1
Jaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6
grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.. Arrived before Game 6 of the series against Minnesota in a multicolor Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1.
Game 6 otw. pic.twitter.com/5rQtUHpjr0
β Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 29, 2022
After the game, Grizzlies teammates Dillon Brooks pit stop his clothes against Jackson.
“First, before you guys start, who is a better fit: me or Tripp [Jackson]? ” Brooks says.
According to reporters, Jackson’s health didn’t beat Brooks. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the results.
“That’s because I’m experimental…I push boundaries,” Jackson said.
DeMar DeRozanChicago Bulls, Game 5
Before the Bulls’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, DeRozan used his costume to pay tribute to Illinois music artist Juice WRLD.chicago guard wears Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie Made by fashion house Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name was Jarad Higgins, died of a drug overdose in December 2019.
lead the way, @DeMar_DeRozan. pic.twitter.com/SHXVz3vozV
β Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 27, 2022
Ben SimmonsBrooklyn Nets, Game 3
The way Simmons looked on the sidelines against the Boston Celtics on Saturday was the perfect contrast to the Nets’ black and white uniform.
Ben Simmons’ gear really stands out on the Nets bench π pic.twitter.com/psIWvKvxWS
β NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 24, 2022
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3
Paul put together an impressive suit ahead of Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Quite a color choice.
Ready to play.#RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/aPPVkZNPai
β Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 23, 2022
Serge IbakaMilwaukee Bucks, Game 3
Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru throughout his 14-year career, especially during his time with the Toronto Raptors, where his scarves stood out. In Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls, his eccentric fashion made another appearance. The relaxed fit includes a brim hat, cardigan and a tote.
Serge style.
πΈ @motorola america pic.twitter.com/er58fzV1Pa
β Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2022
Marcus SmartBoston Celtics, Game 2
Smart won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award on Monday, the first time a point guard has won the honor since Gary Payton in 1995-96. Given that this was Smart’s first DPOY win, he donned a special robe that marked his second game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Marcus Smart stopped by in a DPOY robe @smart_MS3 π₯ pic.twitter.com/h8lz1KBTJo
β Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 20, 2022
James Harden and Tyrese MaxiPhiladelphia 76ers, Game 1
Harden is no stranger to high fashion. Last year, he appeared at Paris Fashion Week and was named a board member of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Before his playoff debut with the Sixers, he wore a Louis Vuitton blue and white “Puppet” varsity jacket. The colorful crochet padded figures fastened to the jacket really make the jacket stand out.
Here they come.#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/p8lJF7dV1j
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022
Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philadelphia, but because the number is in memory Allen Iversonhe has a Make a decision.
“I’ve worn No. 3 my whole life. You can’t buy that here,” said the first-round pick.
He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey featuring a photo of the Basketball Hall of Famer.
This jersey. π @TyreseMaxey π€ @Ellen Iverson pic.twitter.com/YfbFnqpLMV
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022
It ends up being a proper clothing option. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 was the most by a Sixers player in a playoff opener since AI in 2003.
Jordan Clarkson and Bojan BogdanovichUtah Jazz, Game 1
Some players are adventurous with fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little personalization, these Jazz stars have no problem rocking this tried-and-true combo.
Clarkson wore a white Midnight Studios button-down shirt with a black tie and slacks, and the leather straps added a modern twist to an old classic.
Bogdanovic opted for a more traditional route, with his all-black suit and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.
Smooth β οΈ#take notes pic.twitter.com/aVlD1Jmi1i
– Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 16, 2022
Stephen 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 jacket he wore in his first game took the dynamism to a new level.
π #WarriorsGround pic.twitter.com/G5iksHasNt
β Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2022