Dancers in traditional Chinese costumes perform prior to tip-off of the Chinese New Year celebration game at Barclays Center in New York, the United States, on Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Brooklyn Nets, the basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, presented its yearly Chinese New Year celebration game Monday night playing against the Sacramento Kings.

The image of the snake was highlighted during the game as the year 2025 is the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac.

Brooklyn Nets' social media channels played videos featuring Chinese New Year wishes from various players and the videos also were played during the game.

"With every twist and turn, let the Year of the Snake take us on a journey of growth and transformation," said a thread by Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

Nets players wore custom Chinese New Year shooting shirts during warmups.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng (C-L) and Joseph Tsai (C-R), the owner of the Brooklyn Nets, exchange gifts prior to the tip-off of the Chinese New Year celebration game at Barclays Center in New York, the United States, on Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Prior to tip-off, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng and Joseph Tsai, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets, exchanged gifts and watched the game together.

Guo Yazhi, a renowned suona player at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, and his student Chen Xiaowen showcased their mastery in playing the Chinese musical instrument.

Female dancers in traditional Chinese costumes presented a dance of handheld folding fans.

Not only did every fan of basketball in attendance find a red envelope giveaway wishing good fortune for the new year, they also had a chance to taste Chinese foods and snacks on the main and upper concourses.

Fans also could buy from a custom merchandise line featuring one crewneck sweatshirt and a T-shirt.

Edgar, a Nets fan from New Jersey, said he was impressed by the happiness, beauty and dance movements in the celebrations on Monday night, adding his son loves Chinese culture, history and education.

Mari Bizzle, a high school student from Brooklyn, expressed his appreciation of Chinese culture and shared his wonderful experience in tasting Chinese snacks.

"For me, I love Chinese noodles. I love it. For me, I feel like I'm Chinese myself, I love all your dishes," Bizzle told Xinhua.

The Chinese New Year game is part of the Nets Unite platform which seeks to build unity, celebrate culture, and foster equity by amplifying the rich traditions of the diverse community, said an earlier release by Brooklyn Nets.

Monday's game ended with Sacramento Kings beating Brooklyn Nets by 110 to 96.

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