With 12 games scheduled on MLK Day, the NBA honours the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by living the legacy of his words and life's work.
NBA players through the years visit @NCRMuseum in honor of MLK Day. pic.twitter.com/9okvsgDdZf
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 17, 2022
From New York to Los Angeles, each player warmed up in shirts featuring the messages "Now is the time to make justice a reality for all" and "Honor King" to commemorate the holiday, but the messaging didn't stop there.
❝NOW is the time to make JUSTICE a reality FOR ALL.❞ - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/Ku4Xj9Kapd
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 17, 2022
Time to ball. Let's go Knicks! pic.twitter.com/8MLrA38TD7
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 17, 2022
From pregame addresses to halftime performances, Dr. King was honoured throughout the day's action.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Before today's game, Jaylen Brown spoke on systemic racism and the importance of using one's platform to fight for what's important. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/72h89lI60V
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2022
"Today we honour the life and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. … Systemic racism is real, it plagues the city of Boston, as well as the rest of our society. Thank you to Dr. Martin Luther King and continuous others who have sacrificed their life and platform for the cause that we all believe in. Rest assured, the fight is continued…"
With the Celtics hosting the Pelicans to open MLK Day action, Brown addressed the TD Garden crowd ahead of tip-off, sharing a powerful message that serves as a reminder of why we must continue to live Dr. King's legacy each day.
Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards
.@Dan_G33 addressed the crowd before tipoff today as we honor and celebrate the legacy of MLK.#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/oEOi925seX
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 17, 2022
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland & Lamar Stevens discuss the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and the meaning of playing on #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/tDhgX00Jgm
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) January 17, 2022
Atlanta Hawks' MLK Wall
Introducing the new 'MLK Wall' inside @StateFarmArena, a special tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8BE05aHYJA
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 17, 2022
In Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. King, the Hawks have constructed an MLK Wall at State Farm Arena, featuring the centre-court logo from last season's MLK court and a graphic of the team's MLK uniforms worn during the 2020-21 season.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
.@BigO21_ with a special message on MLK Day presented by @Chase 🙌 pic.twitter.com/LMDXUaxLJG
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 17, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/gxeFPIVTaL
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 17, 2022
"MLK Day means so much," LeBron James stated. "It means someone stood for something bigger than him. He stood for the greater of people, no matter their race, no matter their color, and he stood for love, not hate."
Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat
"Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last." #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/t4bqztcu6l
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 18, 2022
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
"Playing on this day is an honor."
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2022
Trae Young talks about Dr. King's lasting legacy, and what playing on MLK Day means to him. pic.twitter.com/P9f9B1oOCa
