In a week that saw the Knicks fire yet another general manager, a flurry of multi-team deals erupt just before the trade deadline, and the All-Star three-point contest add a needless new wrinkle, there was one question that dominated NBA Twitter discourse above all others:
WHAT ABOUT SCARVES THO?
If you haven’t yet witnessed the all-out verbal melee between Toronto Raptors forwards Serge Ibaka and OG Anunoby over who introduced who to scarves, well, you should correct that now. But, more than most viral videos, it’s a gift that keeps on giving, because the neckwear battle subsumed last night during that most sacred of NBA rituals: the tunnel walk.
A few hours before Toronto tipped off at home against the Pacers, Ibaka arrived swathed in a chunky shawl big enough to gift wrap a Hummer. He appeared ready to bring a definitive end to both the debate between him and Anunoby, and also possibly the Canadian wool industry’s entire annual yield. Only, he was followed down the hall by his teammate, performing elite A$AP Rocky-level babushka wrapping feats with a Burberry stole of equally epic proportions. Who won the scarf-off, in the end? It was nearly too close to call—but only one of the two used their Big Scarf Energy to nail a game-clinching bucket. Better luck next time, OG.