Over the next few weeks, you may notice something different about the hardwood your favorite NBA team plays on.
Tonight, the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers will each play their sixth game of the regular season. Cleveland is at home — and their court will look a bit unusual, sporting a red, almost maroon-like color.
You might be asking yourself, Why is this the case? Well, the answer is simpler than you think.
Why is the Cavaliers’ court red?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing on a red court because it’s an NBA Cup game.
INTRODUCING THE 24-25 CAVS CUP COURT presented by @KendaTire. ✨
All 30 @NBA teams will play on fully painted courts throughout the tournament. Designed by artist Victor Solomon, the courts will be used during Group Play and the Quarterfinals, showcasing a league-wide,… pic.twitter.com/aP9kCVvp9O
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 24, 2024
The NBA Cup — previously known as the In-Season Tournament — is a unique competition that the league has held for the third consecutive season. NBA Cup games take place throughout the regular season but are designated separately to create a secondary competition within the year.
Cleveland is part of Eastern Conference Group A, which also features the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Atlanta Hawks.
To help fans easily recognize NBA Cup matchups, the league designed custom courts for every team. These courts immediately distinguish Cup games from regular-season ones. Most teams use colors that align with their Cup logos or team identities.
Cleveland’s design features their signature wine-red floor, with a black perimeter and their team motto — “Let ‘Em Know” — displayed at half court. Each basket area includes a trophy outline of the NBA Cup, adding to the visual flair.
It’s a fun, fan-focused tradition that adds extra excitement to the regular season — and you can expect to see more colorful courts around the league as the tournament continues.
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