The Cleveland Cavaliers, with an assist from a New York-based designer, made their first big play on Friday night just by entering the arena. As they paraded into Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis before Game 3 of their playoff series with the Indiana Pacers, the Cavaliers wore coordinated ensembles: made-to-measure suits, ties, shoes, bags and eyewear by Thom Browne. The scheme was hatched a while ago by Dwyane Wade and Browne, then kept alive by LeBron James after Wade was traded back to the Miami Heat in February. For players at the top of the professional basketball food chain, just showing up has become an opportunity to preen. The walk from the team bus to the locker room is a runway, with attendant paparazzi.

Source: New York Times April 20, 2018 23:00 UTC