Video: Jeremy Lin, LeBron James, or Blake Griffin; Who the Best Pre-Game NBA Ritual?

Getting psyched up for the big game is always a must for any premier athlete in any sport.

Finding a way to get the juices flowing, putting one’s self in the zone, getting the motor revved up.

For the Houston Rockets trio of James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons they have one particular ritual that gets them in the mood to pound their opponents with Fists of Fury.

The three of Houston’s young starters are a contrast is personalities and styles. Harden is the explosive leader of the Rockets, one of the leading scorers in the NBA this season and a player on the verge of superstardom. Lin, the soft-spoken yet potential-laden, athletic point guard, is a worldwide phenomenon who captured new fans last season thanks to the “Linsanity” craze. And Parsons, the team’s second-highest scorer, keeps the wheels greased on offense.

With players this different, chemistry is an added bonus, and camaraderie can go a long way. Which is why the trio’s ritual before games only helps the Rockets stay loose and fluid.

While the team is warming up before games, the three Rockets stars exchange handshakes before meeting up with each other. After Lin and Parsons exchange handshakes, all three Houston starters pose in signature karate-style poses before bowing in the traditional karate sign of respect.

It’s no doubt an interesting way to warm up. It’s unique, it’s creative, and more importantly, it’s fun for both the fans and the Rockets’ “Big Three.” However, there are a few other pre-game rituals that some of the league’s more high-profile players have taken part in.

Rajon Rondo's Balancing Act

Before his injury, Rondo, the Celtics’ brash and bold All-Star point guard, had a strange ritual before the game, collecting an odd amount of bounced basketballs in his arms, until he could carry no more.

Monta Ellis and his Wax Coating

Ellis, the leading scorer for the Bucks and one-half of one of the youngest, most talented point guards in the league, is known for his smooth shooting touch. But it’s his odd tradition of soaking his hands, one of them once injured, in a wax bucket that leaves his hands smoother once peeled back. And apparently, it leaves Ellis with a shooter’s stroke that matches.

LeBron James Dunking

It’s been the most talked-about pregame tradition as of late. Though he has never competed in the NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest, James has shown that he can throw down the ball with as much flair and dash as any of the game’s best dunkers. In fact, James’ pregame dunking show has not only thrilled fans lucky enough to watch him, but it’s also prompted Magic Johnson to offer up $1 million of his own money to James if he takes part in the slam dunk competition next year.

L.A. Clippers Dunking Contest

Speaking of dunking contests, the red-hot L.A. Clippers, already on top of the Pacific Division, have a pregame tradition of their own that isn’t a one-man show, but a teamwide event that has some of the best dunkers in the game taking part. From Blake Griffin to Eric Bledsoe to the dynamic DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers’ lineup has bigger names than even the All-Star Weekend participants. And Lob City has some dunkers that can throw down hard.