Craig Sager owns the paint in pink

TNT courtside reporter Craig Sager embodies the spirit of spring during Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix.

Those who were watching the game on television may have seen Mr. Sager rockin' a pink windowpane sport jacket and white trousers, a decidedly fresh springtime look. His pink floral tie completed the ensemble. Clearly, Mr. Sager had fun with assembling this outfit.

And for extra credit to those wearing pink, check out fellow TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley, whose pink shirt with blue stripe coordinated nicely with his light blue suit. Sir Charles might want to remove the buttons from the collar points if he doesn't wish to use them, but other than that, this is another spring fashion done simply and smartly.

How ESPN's NBA guys measure up for style sake

Magic Johnson, Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Stuart Scott presented the breakdown after Game 1 of the Western Conference semis between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz on Sunday.

There are couple of things to know about wardrobe selection that might explain why certain colors that are seen on TV aren't necessarily popular choices in conventional workplace wear.

First, a studio's backdrop is a factor when choosing what to wear. The last thing anyone in front of a camera wants is to blend in with the background.

Second, you might see three-button jackets being worn more often than two-button models because it's a cleaner look on camera when the top two buttons of the jacket are fastened. So don't follow the bandwagon that three-button models are not "in." Such trends are cyclical and should not sway your clothing decisions. What matters is that the look is simple and elegant.

Back to the ESPN crew on Sunday night:

-- Magic Johnson came out of the box strong with a peak-lapel, gray suit with a pinstripe pattern and a solid pink shirt. Mr. Johnson's tie, however, does not anchor the look. It is a red, white and light blue stripe that competes with the pattern of the suit and looks fuzzy altogether. I would suggest a solid charcoal or black tie, which give an understated elegance and does not steal the suit's thunder. Grade: B-

-- Jon Barry's solid tan suit evokes the season that is spring, and his deep red paisley tie is an excellent complement with his tattersall shirt. Well balanced and well coordinated. Grade: A

-- Michael Wilbon's light gray suit contrasts well with his pale yellow shirt. The brown tie with light blue and light brown polka dots looks great on TV, but does not pick up the color of the jacket or shirt. I'm not certain whether the pattern of the jacket is a glen plaid, which usually has light blue lines running vertically and horizontally throughout. It's not easy to see on TV. Grade: B

-- Stuart Scott's light gray suit matches up well with his light gray striped shirt, but the kelly green tie and multicolor pocket square dominate the suit. The knot on the tie is so big that it doesn't come up flush against the top of the collar, and the pocket square doesn't match anything else that he's wearing. Grade: C-

Cavs' LeBron, Mo keep it simple

Cavaliers teammates LeBron James and Mo Williams opted for solid colors -- mainly silver and black -- during their postgame interviews Saturday night after defeating the Boston Celtics 101-93 in the opener of the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Mr. James wore a solid gray shirt with a black vest, while Mr. Williams sported a gray shirt and tie with a black sweater with blue trim around the shoulders. Both men looked very smart, casual and not least, professional in front of the camera.

There's not much else to add. Well done, gentlemen.

Bow tie earns big Style Points for Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal exuded style on Saturday night after the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Mr. O'Neal reprised his stylish look from the previous round's postgame interviews and came correct: A solid silver, floral print bow tie (it's put on correctly this time), with a crisp white shirt and a gray pinstripe suit.

That's how it's done. A textbook presentation.

Of course, Mr. O'Neal's attire drew an inevitable ribbing from TNT analyst Charles Barkley, who asked The Big Bow-dacious, "Did you give up pork?"

Mr. Barkley was alluding to the Fruit of Islam led by Minister Louis Farrakhan, who are recognized for wearing bow ties. It's a joke that would fall flat if Messrs. Barkley and O'Neal did not know each other well, but the question drew laughs from TNT colleagues Chris Webber, Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson.

Shaq responded with aplomb, and the postgame interview ended a few moments later.

Let's review ... if you're going to wear a bow tie outside of formal occasions, it's important to "own" the look. People might test you or poke fun, but that should only reinforce your conviction in wearing it in the first place. There is a uniqueness about a man who wears a bow tie. If you know how to tie one from scratch, that's a skill that other men may shy away from learning, giving you a sartorial advantage.

I'm still curious to see whether Mr. O'Neal tied that knot by himself ... at any rate, he gets big Style Points.