Warriors, Cavaliers Primp With Pedicures To Prep For Game Day
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Players on the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the NBA players who go the extra mile in their game preparation by hitting the nail salon.
Warriors players are regulars at Posh Polish nail salon in Oakland to get pedicures - not for beautifying, but to give their hard-working feet the attention they need.
Owner Peter Phan has helped get at least two Warriors - starter Harrison Barnes and reserve Justin Holiday - get their feet in game shape. The duo came in just last week for a pre-finals pedicure.
"After that he felt better and played better," Phan said of the treatment he gave Barnes.
The players seemed as anonymous as anyone else in the shop.
"I didn't even know and I just walked in. "I'm like 'go Warriors woo-hoo'" recalled Dr. Susanne Duesberg, a customer at Polish.
Warriors aren't alone in getting the spa treatment. For many NBA players and those of other sports, athletic pedicures are essential to keep their feet in top condition and prevent injuries from callouses, ingrown toenails and blisters, while foot massages can improve blood flow and reduce pain and inflammation.
Published reports suggest that the Cavaliers players take outings to nail salons while on road trips and also bring in a nail specialist for last-minute game day manicures and pedicures. That can be good for business at shops that big name players depend on.
"I had two customers come in here this morning because they heard the guy from the Warriors comes here," said Phan.
Warriors fans we spoke to Friday said they are in favor of whatever it takes to keep winning.
"They won that day," recalled Warriors fan Dwalu Khasu. "Maybe they should have got their nails done the next day and the next day."