Mavericks, Nuggets protest by linking arms and taking the knee together: WATCH

For the USA, 2021 has started with an unexpected political protest as Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. The move sparked debates all over the nation, with comparisons being drawn to the Black Lives Matter protests that engulfed the country last summer. NBA players and coaches spoke up on the issue, many referring to the protests as disgraceful. As a result, teams once again took the knee during the national anthem, trying to peacefully protest. 

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NBA players kneel during the national anthem

Before their game on Thursday night (EST), the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets linked their arms and took the knee during the national anthem. This comes as a response to the Capitol protests, and the ruling given for the Jacob Blake shooting. Before the Mavericks and Nuggets, the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons took the knee before tip-off.

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The NBA has been extremely vocal about their BLM support since last year, even helping with the US Elections last November. As the 2020-21 season began, teams have reaffirmed their stand, speaking up when they have to. Fans, however, seem to have a mixed reaction to their actions. Some agree that the players need a lot of courage to take a step like this, while others hope for consistency.

"Where was this last week? They only do it so they don’t look bad, none of them actually care," one fan wrote. Another pointed out that the reason has shifted, and is no longer police brutality. 

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NBA players on US Capitol

From head coaches to retired players, the NBA has had strong and candid opinions on the US Capitol protests. The league's fight against inequality has only gotten stronger, especially after players have brought up the possibilities if at all black people had stormed the capitol. Additionally, the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics also took the knee. The Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns held hands, standing in a circle midcourt – an idea generated from Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry. 

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(Image credits: NBA on TNT)