James Harden took a page out of Jayson Tatum's playbook for Game 1 of the 76ers vs. Celtics series.
It wasn't on the court, however. It was off it.
Harden showed up at the TD Garden wearing a rather unique outfit. It featured a baggy blue jacket and some oversized blue pants that drew the 76ers star plenty of attention on social media.
Harden's fit for Game 1 😅 pic.twitter.com/TGG2ZUq6Mk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2023
Why was that? Well, many noted that Harden looked like he was trying to emulate Cookie Monster in his pregame fit.
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Jokes poured in from all over social media poking fun at the Philadelphia star's outfit choice. Many evoked the name of the aforementioned Sesame Street character while others joked that Harden had gotten lost on his way to the Met Gala in New York City.
Cookie Monster just tweet and let us know you ok bro pic.twitter.com/WAp1zPbrND
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) May 1, 2023
James Harden looks like a combination of Cookie Monster, Stitch and Sully from Monsters Inc. lol pic.twitter.com/fCfQoAo0KO
— Jasmine B. (@jazzvangogh) May 1, 2023
what did james harden do to cookie monster pic.twitter.com/g14N9iMlRB
— Becca Laurie (@imbeccable) May 1, 2023
James Harden looks like a knockoff Cookie Monster from Times Square called the “Biscuit Fiend.” pic.twitter.com/J1mELjKGdi
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) May 1, 2023
James Harden brought the Met Gala to the TD Garden 😅
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 1, 2023
(via @sixers) pic.twitter.com/QGURnTdljd
James Harden is on his way to the #MetGala
— bria celest (@55mmbae) May 1, 2023
pic.twitter.com/F6c6x5Jyix
James Harden arriving at #MetGala pic.twitter.com/UqQsaTWK9F
— Cool Che (@elelcoolche) May 1, 2023
Indeed, it's hard to ignore the similarities between Harden and the look traditionally sported by Cookie Monster.
But what exactly does this have to do with Tatum? Well, Tatum made his own Cookie Monster-like fashion choice ahead of a Celtics game in January. That naturally drew attention similar to what Harden received for his look on Monday.
Tatum and Harden be fighting over cookies. There can be only one fuzzy blue Cookie Monster. Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/uoluYLEC1H
— Michael Haas (@MichaelHaas20) May 1, 2023
That said, the ridicule that Tatum and Harden received for their outfits may be worth it. Tatum recorded 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 107-99 win over the Bulls the night that he wore his Cookie Monster outfit.
MORE: Jayson Tatum's jacket draws Cookie Monster comparison
Meanwhile, Harden scored 21 points and logged four assists in the first half of the 76ers vs. Celtics game on Monday night.
If Philadelphia can pull out a win, more NBA stars may look to emulate the fashion of the world's favorite cookie aficionado.
