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Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become one of the marquee holidays of the NBA season with a full slate of games every year.
The teams playing on MLK Day always pay homage to Dr. King, honoring one of the most important people in American history. From MLK-inspired warmup shirts to players delivering heartfelt pregame speeches to in-game tribute videos, the Civil Rights activist is at the forefront of every game played on the holiday.
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Take a look at how Dr. King was honored throughout the NBA schedule on MLK Day.
NBA teams pay tribute on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr.-inspired warmup shirts
Celtics star Jayson Tatum donning the MLK-inspired warmup shirts ahead of Celtics vs. Hornets.
“Now is the time to make justice a reality for all” #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/4KhqQYLVaG
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 16, 2023
MORE: Tatum, Malcolm Brogdon discuss honor of playing on MLK Day
Pregame speeches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Grant Williams, the Vice President of the NBA Players Association, addressed the crowd in Charlotte to speak on Dr. King’s impact on the players today.
“We’re fortunate and thankful to have someone as impactful as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” pic.twitter.com/rNprytvY3i
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 16, 2023
The Wizards and Warriors took a special moment to recognize the family of Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of the game.
The Warriors and Wizards took a moment to recognize the family of Martin Luther King Jr.#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/yP7Poh1qAc
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 16, 2023
The Hawks, who typically play at home on MLK Day as the birthplace of Dr. King, always do it big for the holiday. They had a choir do player intros and John Collins delivered a pregame speech.
Choir intros on MLK Day are always special 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WAHNKenDT5
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 16, 2023
.@jcollins20_ gave a special pregame message to the crowd to honor playing for Dr. King today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VEBtsXRXZF
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 16, 2023
The Grizzlies also always play at home in Memphis on MLK Day as a memorial of the location Dr. King was assassinated. Jaren Jackson Jr. spoke to the crowd ahead of the Grizzlies’ game on the holiday.
.@jarenjacksonjr addressing the crowd ahead of the MLK game pic.twitter.com/EBPwj30Luk
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 16, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. tribute videos
Hawks
“To honor MLK Day and play in this city is a privilege.” pic.twitter.com/kinsFLpgIg
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 16, 2023
Wizards and Warriors
“As our eyes look toward the future, we must discover the power of love.”
Our teams may take the court against each other today, but we stand together in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/y9Ypwmawnz
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 16, 2023
Knicks
“The beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/GDdGZVZFg5
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 16, 2023
Hornets
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 3️⃣ words, brought to you by your Hornets!#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/AQyiRs3Wt4
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 16, 2023
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