Viewers who tuned into Game 1 of the NBA Finals might have noticed the surprising lack of branding – no signs or logos identifying the event as the Finals. If you didn`t catch it immediately, you likely saw discussions on social media highlighting that the series didn`t feel distinct from a regular season game.
This absence was noticeable from the start, sparking questions on social media about the lack of “NBA Finals” logos on the court or the customary announcement of starting lineups. Many fans and media members echoed the sentiment, requesting the league to reintroduce the NBA Finals court designs that featured a large Larry O`Brien trophy at center court, a practice seen earlier this century.
While seemingly minor, having these prominent logos on the floor or a clear “NBA Finals” graphic helps convey to the viewer that this event is significant, different from a standard February game. The NBA apparently took note of the feedback and attempted a quick fix for Game 2, although the execution was less than ideal.
Instead of applying physical decals, the league opted for digitally adding two small Larry O`Brien trophies to the court display, which many described as looking cartoonish.
This digital addition was short-lived. Later in the broadcast, the trophy graphic was replaced by a script font displaying “The Finals.” Social media users didn`t hold back, poking fun at the league`s attempt to solve the issue in a way that arguably made it worse. It appeared to be a hurried attempt to appease fans, but Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the topic at an NBA charity event after Game 1.
“To be honest, I hadn`t given it much thought until I saw the discussion on social media,” Silver stated. “I understand the nostalgia for certain aspects. Also, in our media-centric culture, where people watch live or view images online, it`s beneficial when highlights stand out because you see that trophy logo or another clear indicator that it`s a special event. So, we will definitely look into it.”
Silver mentioned that one reason the large Larry O`Brien court decals were discontinued around 2014 was due to player safety concerns, as they were reportedly too slick and caused players to slip. However, this reasoning seems somewhat contradictory given the league`s rollout of 30 unique courts for the NBA Cup over the past two seasons, which also drew criticism from players for being slippery. For instance, Luka Doncic complained that the courts were too slippery during a game while he was with the Dallas Mavericks.
The discussion isn`t about covering the entire court with a large colored decal like the NBA Cup designs, but rather adding sizable logos, perhaps along the baseline, to clearly mark the series as the pinnacle event. This isn`t just about nostalgia; it`s about adding appropriate spectacle to the most important event on the league`s calendar. Consider the Super Bowl without its giant logos flanking the NFL shield at midfield, or the World Series lacking large painted logos along the first and third baselines. Without these visual cues, looking back at those events might feel like viewing just any other game, rather than the sport`s crown jewel.
Fortunately, it seems the league is listening to fans and critics and is likely to implement a solution by next season`s NBA Finals. It`s perhaps regrettable that it took years of public demand to reach this point.
Jasper Hawthorne