How to Throw an NBA Finals Party

Celebrate the NBA Finals and "hoop" it up!

With the month of June comes the final days of the year's organized basketball, specifically the NBA Finals. While the NBA features the world's best athletes, it's also a chance for young players to gather with each other, parents and coaches to enjoy and talk about the game. Especially in a year when upstarts like Orlando Magic and their young superstar, big man Dwight Howard clash with the powerful Los Angeles Lakers and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. These stars are a contrast in styles, so matchings like these make for a series that young players can enjoy and learn from. Now, how best to enjoy these types of series? With friends and fellow fans--of course! Here are some tips for throwing the perfect gathering to get maximum fun out of the finals (even if your favorite team is waiting until next year to play for the championship).

Things You'll Need

• Television

Instructions

1. Pick a game. In the best-of-seven format, every game is crucial--but some are just a little more crucial than others. Historically, the team that wins Game 3 of an NBA series wins that series 76 percent of the time. Game 5 is historically a great game to watch. Obviously, if it gets to Game 7, this is the ultimate party game!

2. Invite your pals. If you can't be at the game, basketball is always best enjoyed with friends and family. Even when it's not your team, the games are so much more fun with fellow players and fans who know what they are watching. Invite your teammates, your classmates or your fellow fans over for the game. Talk hoops. You're sure to learn something and have even more fun watching the game.

3. OK, so decorating isn't exactly your thing, but everyone loves a theme. Go to the store and grab some hoops-themed plates, napkins, cups, banners (party stores are sure to have it all)--anything you can find that keeps with the theme. It may seem silly at first, but it gets people in a festive mood and just makes the game a little more fun. Your guests will get a kick out of it!

4. Of course, we are not going to encourage gambling here on eHow, but there's nothing wrong with some friendly handshake bets between friends. How many points will Kobe score over/under 35? How about Dwight Howard? Who will make the first three-pointer? There are always ways to make the game a little more fun to watch; you can use your hoops knowledge to outsmart your buddies.

5. Orlando and Los Angeles aren't exactly known for their regional culinary specialties (not like deep dish pizza in Chicago or cheesesteak in Philly); however, you can still keep the theme going by serving up some classic party favorites based on whatever teams are playing. For instance, to give it a Lakers-Magic twist you might go with some "Kobe Beef Nachos" or "Derek Fischer Fish Sticks" or "Hedo Turkey Burgers"--of course, sticking with the classics might work, too. Try the "Stan Van Veggie Platter" or "Kung Pau Gasol Chicken" or even set up your "Phil Jackson Sundae Bar." Get creative. It will be fun!

6. Make sure you configure your viewing area so all of your guests can see the game. You don't want to leave anyone out!

Tips & Warnings

• Add to the fun by giving prizes for craziest-dressed fan.

• For the games in Los Angeles, take wagers on how many times the cameras will focus on Jack Nicholson--he seems to get his mug on TV all the time!