From Tunnel Fits to Tip-Off: A Girl's Guide to Basketball Season
- Simar Gill
- Oct 16
- 6 min read
With basketball season right around the corner, it's time to brush up on our ball knowledge. Whether you're tuning in for the drama, the fashion, or the actual game, the NBA has something for everyone. A girl's guide to basketball season isn't just about memorizing stats; it's about knowing enough to join the conversation, spot the stars, and have fun while doing it. From courtside fits to buzzer beaters, here's everything you need to know to survive the season.
The Basics
You don't need to know every play to keep up with the game. Just understand that basketball has four quarters, five players per team on the court, and one mission: get the ball in the hoop. Free throws equal one point, shots from inside the arc equal two points, and shots from beyond the arc equal three points. The arc is also known as the three-point line, indicating why shots taken behind it are worth three points.
Players can hold the positions of point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, or center. Think of the point guard as the group leader who keeps everyone organized, the center as the tall friend who handles heavy lifting, and the shooting guard as the confident one who is always in the spotlight. A small forward is responsible for scoring closer to the rim and for anchoring the defense against the opposing team, and the power forward battles for rebounds inside the paint and is usually strong and tough. Some key terms to note are assists, which are passes that lead to a point, a triple-double, which is when a player has double digits in three stat categories (points, rebounds, assists), and fast breaks, which is when a team scores quickly after getting the ball. Once you know the game, it'll make more sense why certain players are fan favorites or why rivalries feel so intense.
The Fashion
Though each team has assigned jerseys on the court, the NBA tunnel is the home of each player's personal style. Players walk in before every game dressed like they're headed to fashion week and fans notice. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jordan Clarkson, and Jalen Green are redefining what a game day outfit looks like.
They mix designer brands with streetwear pieces to make their fit a statement about the game to come. You can join the fun too: style a vintage jersey with a skirt, find matching team colors with fun accessories, or find the perfect sneakers to match your favorite team. Courtside glam is a part of what makes the game fun, so embrace it!
The Rivalries
Half of the entertainment in the NBA happens off the court. Trades, tweets, and teammate beefs make the game feel like a reality show. To make things easier, here are the most popular NBA rivalries and dramas, and why they exist.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
One of the most well-known rivalries, the Lakers-Celtics rivalry exists because of the history each team holds. The Lakers have played against the Celtics in the NBA Finals 12 times, creating a rivalry that fans have feasted on for decades.
The main reason for this rivalry comes from fan beef over star power on each team, and a constant competition for titles. Their playstyle also differs, as the Lakers are focused on individual talent and the Celtics are more focused on a team effort to reach their goals. Though the beef was much more prominent in the 80s, notable games in recent years still draw major attention such as their 2025 matchup in Boston, where the Celtics kept the lead despite Luka Dončić having 34 points for the Lakers without LeBron James in the game.
The Mavericks Love Triangle
In 2018, the Dallas Mavericks drafted Luka Dončić, who became the face of their franchise and led them to the NBA Finals in 2024. Despite being loved by fans and a powerhouse on the court, the Mavericks traded Luka for Anthony Davis of the Lakers in 2025 due to "conditioning concerns". Not only were fans betrayed that Dallas gave away their biggest star, but Luka himself was unaware of the trade, creating backlash and shock amongst the NBA community.
Though heartbroken to leave Dallas, Luka embraced the Lakers in this love triangle and brought a new sense of fire to the team alongside LeBron James. Not only did he begin his revenge arc, he become the cover of Men's Health this summer with a new, fit physique. As we watch the first full season of Luka dominance begin, the beef gives him the fuel to have the main character season we're all hoping for.
With other rivalries happening on social media off the court or during tense matchups on the court, the drama that ensues makes the games all the more interesting. This makes basketball more than a game to watch, but a source of entertainment with multiple storylines to follow.
The Friendships
The NBA doesn't just create foes and rivals; it fosters bromances that make the game more heartfelt to experience. The friendships are emotional, chaotic, and just as exciting as the rivalries.
Splash Brothers - Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
One of the most iconic duos in the league, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, a.k.a. the Splash Brothers, dominated the NBA for nearly a decade on the Golden State Warriors. From becoming All-Stars, winning four NBA Championships, and appearing in six Finals together, it seemed like they were the duo that would never separate. That all changed in 2024, when Klay signed with the Dallas Mavericks, separating the two shooters. However, no bad blood exists between these two, as Steph Curry took to social media and said "Splash Bros 4 life my guy" following Klay's departure. Understanding this friendship can add dimensions to watching the Mavericks play the Warriors, as each matchup between the two can be considered a battle between the former Splash Bros. Despite the separation of these two iconic shooters, the recent addition of Steph's brother, Seth Curry, to the Warriors sets them up for a new era of Splash Brothers, in a more literal sense this time.
The Reigning Champs - Oklahoma City Thunder
From playing together to making TikToks together, the Oklahoma City Thunder is a team that has chemistry on and off the court. Their tight-knit bond has become one of the team’s biggest strengths, creating an environment of trust, accountability, and shared motivation. Unlike other teams, OKC prioritized trading star players in exchange for draft capital that was used to build the team that would go on to dominate the 2025 season. They're a young team with rising big-name talent like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the NBA Finals MVP and league MVP. Their friendship has become the foundation of their success, proving that genuine connection can translate into championship-level performance.
These friendships, and many more across the league, create so many playful, heartwarming moments that make basketball more than just a game. With offseason trades and new player signings occurring on each team, keep an eye out for the teammates that create new bonds and make the game even more fun to watch.
The Fun
If you're watching the game with friends or a significant other, make it fun! Pick a team to root for, grab some snacks, and make friendly bets on who will win. Whether you're watching at home or live, make sure to dress in team colors or merch to show your support. And if you're worried about not knowing enough about the game, ask your friends to point out a play you should watch out for each quarter to learn more!
Basketball season is about more than just who wins or loses. It's about flashy plays on the court, news breaking deals and trades, main character moments, and whatever else you want it to be. Whether that's courtside fashion, social media posts, drama-filled events, or pure sport, basketball has something for everyone. Learn a play or two, embrace your team's colors, host the best game nights, and never be afraid to ask questions. The point is to enjoy the game not only by watching it, but by being a part of it.
Edited by: Isabella Messerli
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