Washington (People's Daily) – The NBA team Washington Wizards celebrated Chinese New Year through its Chinese New Year game on Thursday.

Washington Wizards celebrate Chinese New Year at Capital One Arena. (Photo: People's Daily/Li Zhiwei)

The topic of Thursday night’s game was Chinese New Year. The same day, the Capital One Arena, located in Chinatown, Washington DC, added many Chinese elements. 

The Wizards beat the Charlotte Hornets, 121-107. During the game, Chinese cultural performances were held to celebrate Chinese New Year, including martial arts, traditional dance and dragon dance.

To celebrate this most important festival in China and also in East Asia and the Asian-American community, the Wizards also gave souvenirs to the crowd, including a red basketball with "Happy Chinese New Year", a Year of the Rat-themed red envelope with the NBA logo.

Washington Wizards prepare Chinese-style souvenirs for the crowd. (Photo: Washington Wizards social media account)

The Wizards have for several years played themed games to celebrate Chinese New Year during the Spring Festival. This also won a lot of Chinese fans.

This was one of a series of Chinese New Year celebrations in Washington, DC, such as a Chinese New Year Parade, Winter Light and Family Day.