Marcus Smart, James Harden and more don stylish NBA first-round playoff fits

6:50 PM ET

Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.

Washington Wizards small forward Kyle Kuzma became one of the league’s front-runners in eye-catching outfits during the regular season.

“I always look at fashion not as I’m just putting on clothes, but I’m putting together a story and putting together a look that when you see me, it’s a conversation piece,” he told the Boardroom.

Kuzma’s squad didn’t make it to the postseason, so he won’t be able to wear his unique fits on the pregame runway. But a handful of players stepped up and stood out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

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.

Marcus Smart pulled up with the DPOY robe @smart_MS3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/h8lz1KBTJo

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 20, 2022

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.

here they come.#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/p8lJF7dV1j

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022

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.

this jersey. 👀 @TyreseMaxey 🤝 @AllenIverson pic.twitter.com/YfbFnqpLMV

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022

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 Bogdanović, 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.

Bogdanović chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.

smooth ♠️#TakeNote 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 coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.