2024 MLK Day: How the NBA is continuing its tradition on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The NBA is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with 11 games scheduled for Monday. Those games feature some of the best teams in both conferences as well as the traditional games in Atlanta, where King was born, and Memphis, where King was assassinated in 1968.

This is the latest in a decades-long tradition of the league celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, even before the federal holiday was recognized nation-wide. And NBA teams are taking initiative to honor the civil rights leader in 2024.

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NBA on MLK Day history

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1986, nearly 20 years after it was initially introduced into Congress. It took another 14 years to be recognized in every U.S. state.

The NBA didn’t wait until then to recognize it across the league. On Jan. 20, 1986, the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks faced off on TBS in the NBA’s first MLK Day game. Hawks Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins scored a game-high 33 points that day to get the win at home.

With the exception of the lockout-shortened season in 1998-99, at least five NBA games have been played on MLK Day every year. NBA records show the New York Knicks have played the most games on the holiday with 37. The Los Angeles Lakers are second with 33 and three teams are tied at 32: the Philadelphia 76ers, Hawks, and Washington Wizards.

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The Grizzlies franchise moved from Vancouver to Memphis in 2002 and a year later played on the holiday in the FedEx Forum. That arena is four miles from the site were King was assassinated – the Lorraine Motel – that is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum. The Grizzlies have played on every MLK Day ever since.

In recent years, NBA teams have worn special warm up shirts in honor of the holiday. In 2018, the words “I have a dream” were printed on the front with an excerpt of Dr. King’s famous speech from Aug. 28, 1963.

CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 13: A detailed view of the back of a shirt worn by Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder for Martin Luther King Jr. Day before their game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 13, 2018. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

“Commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King is a long-standing NBA tradition,” NBA deputy commissioner and COO Mark Tatum told Andscape. “For decades, the league has used its platform to honor his work and influence while uplifting the values of justice and equality.”

Beyond shirts and messages on the court, the NBA provides resources about the civil rights leader on its website. The league also has information on volunteer and event opportunities to celebrate the holiday beyond team-specific activities.

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How NBA teams are celebrating MLK Day 2024

The 11 games on MLK Day 2024 include three teams honoring Dr. King in specific ways.

The Grizzlies are teaming up with the National Civil Rights Museum as well as city and Shelby County officials to hold events on Sunday and MLK Day. The Museum is hosting an economic empowerment panel Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. ET featuring former WNBA player Renee Montgomery, HGTV star Carmeon Hamilton, and Memphis mayor Paul Young.

Before Monday’s game between the Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, Memphis is honoring athletes and highlighting “the significant contributions to civil and human rights they have made through their careers in sports, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” This year’s honorees include MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome, Montgomery, eight-time NBA All-Star Alex English, and former NFL running back Calvin Hill.

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The Hawks will continue their MLK Day tradition of welcoming a gospel choir to State Farm Arena. The choir will sing the name of each player during pregame introductions. Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike is also performing at halftime during the Hawks’ game against San Antonio.

The Washington Wizards will recognize students from their Mentoring Month program during halftime of their MLK Day game against the Detroit Pistons. The teams are also hosting a private screening of the “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks” documentary on Sunday night. Last year, the Wizards recognized members of Dr. King’s family during their game against the Warriors and presented them with special jerseys.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 16: Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Yolanda Renee King are presented with jerseys during the game between the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

In addition to team-specific celebrations, the NBA will be airing a special promotion titled “It’s Time” across game broadcasts.

2024 NBA MLK Day schedule

Here’s the schedule for the 11 MLK Day NBA games this season:

• Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards, 3:00 p.m. ET
• San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta Hawks, 3:30 p.m. ET, TNT
• Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies, 6:00 p.m. ET, TNT

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 MLK Day: How the NBA is continuing its tradition on Martin Luther King Jr. Day