Basketball fans in the Big Apple are understandably sending color-coded messaging of their choice for the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference champions.
Since the sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers, aficionados of the sport have been dressing to impress by wearing fashionable outfits using head-to-toe navy blue and orange designs. The Knicks most recently took a 3-1 series lead after the team’s monumental comeback on June 10 against the Spurs.
The less-than-subtle indications that point to support for team New York Knicks include hair dyes, socks, sneakers, shorts, pants, track suits, t-shirts, hoodies, caps, scarves, ear-rings, and painted fingernails.
Thirsting for revenge after salivating for 27 years since the team’s last foray to the finals, merchandisers and designers are collaborating to meet demands from residents, international visitors, and out-of-towners.
Leashed pets have been spotted wearing the colors and well-dressed poodles seem to lead the charge by wearing matching custom designs of their owners.
Needless to say, enterprising artisans are having a having a field day meeting the needs of buyers wanting blue or orange gear.
Items sporting the number 11 are particularly popular. Worn by Jalen Brunson, some New Yorkers have already dubbed the captain the MVP (most valuable player), therefore anything Brunson-related seems fashionably appropriate.
Sidewalk vendors claim any item bearing Brunson’s image and number to be the best-selling commodities.
“He’s my homie,” Karen, a Jamaican national said.
Here on holiday, the shopper at 34th St. seemed more than eager to identify with Brunson’s Caribbean roots and the fact both grandparents on his mother’s side were born on the island.
As orange balloons floated overhead, a nearby subway entrance at 8th Ave. attracted gawkers waiting to take selfies of the sole decorated gateway.
“My best seller is Zohran,” a vendor at Union Square said.
Distinguishable from the predominant trademarked items, his small to extra large tees were understatedly appealing.
Patterned by the first name of Mayor Mamdani of NYC, the all-blue cotton fabric is adorned by an orange colored basketball at center in order to entice natives.
“I make them myself,” the vendor said. “They are all custom made and real New Yorkers know what time it is.”
“For me, its the entire team that sells; and the ones with front and back designs are going like hotcakes,” another vendor situated at 14th St. said. “They call me Mango but today my favorite fruit is orange.”
Mango sold his stash of orange colored caps, shorts and tops within an hour after setting up a makeshift stand.
Compared to pricey merchandise sold at official MSG outlets, affordable merchandise, tailored to suit adults and children, are available on choice street corners, enabling conspicuous, wearable cheerleading clothing. Vintage designers have even incorporated Patrick Ewing’s number 33 to their stock.
Regarded one of the revered veterans of the local basketball team, the Jamaica-born athlete seems to be a retro favorite.
Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” from 2009, features Alicia Keys, but is now a musical tribute recording repeatedly sounded about “the city that never sleeps.” The rhymes are relevant.
And the beats provide infectious accompaniment to a tuneful track that brags the swagger of its occupants.
“The Big Apple is more orange than red,” an unidentified tourist was overheard saying.
The observant guest said instead of the usual keychain and mugs he often gifts on return to home base, he will take back front pages from newspaper coverage, and will probably frame a few for special friends.
“If I buy 10 (T-shirts) what kind of deal would you give me?” he was overheard haggling with Mango.
“No deal!” the vendor responded.
“This is crunch time; I’m selling regardless how many you buy.”
Although many vendors are willing to negotiate prices, when business booms there is unrivalled attitude and sometimes even punctuated, colorful language.
On the Eve of game 2, eating a fruit (orange) became cause celebre.
Actually, when championships are contested, there’s no city like New York City. Andrew Ing, a Williamsburg nail designer, was miffed by customers wanting orange paintings.
Last Sunday, “some customers requested all 10 fingers in orange, some wanted just the middle or pinkie, while others asked for midnight blue polish.”
And Friday night, when the Knicks beat the Spurs 105-104, skyscrapers blazed the hues decorating the skyline in bright orange and blue lights.
Prior to game 2, inside Central Park where multiple video screens were erected, a hoop bus featured music for potential viewers of the scheduled Watch party to enjoy.
The deejay blasted “Walk Like A Champion” by Jamaican reggae deejay Buju Banton.
After the victorious game, another spinner played Frank Sinatra’s anthemic recording about the city titled “New York, New York.”
President Donald Trump, who was born in New York City, attended the third game of the series at Madison Square Garden on June 8.
Another face-off with the San Antonio Spurs is slated for Wednesday, June 10 at Madison Square Garden.
Watch parties are being held at SOB’s, Brooklyn Bowl (14 high definition video screens), Wollman Rink in Central Park (jumbotron screen), Bryant Park, and many other bars throughout the boroughs.
Red, White and Blue returns fervor for Puerto Rico
The tri-color combination of red, white and blue will return to prominence in New York City when a 35-block span along Fifth Ave., from 44th to 79th Street in Manhattan, exhibit pride and heritage on June 14 at the Puerto Rican Day parade.
More than one million revelers are expected to attend the 69th annual event. Daddy Yankee is the grand marshal, while model and TV personality Dayanara Torres will be the the queen of the parade and King Anthony Ramos is the designated monarch of the event.
Honorees include Congresswoman Nadia Velazquez.
Although 3.2 million inhabit the Caribbean island, more than 5.8 million Puerto Ricans reside throughout the United States.
The parade will be aired live on ABC-TV and streamed on Telemundo.
The one-star, red, white and blue salute honoring Puerto Rico will kick off at 11 a.m.
Catch You On The Inside!
