OKC Thunder Tie Series (2-2) With The Houston Rockets After Comeback Victory (117-114)

OKC Thunder Tie Series (2-2) With The Houston Rockets After Comeback Victory (117-114)

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by | Aug 25, 2020 | Featured, NBA

 

This series has been a toss-up and Game 4 didn’t disappoint at all when it came to the excitement. Oklahoma City was coming into this game down 2-1 and wanted to get back in this series tonight with a big performance. This was a high scoring game but the game came down to adjustments and defense. Tonight Billy Donovan was able to make the proper adjustments in his lineup as he was able to allow his three guards to continue to attack the Rockets defense like they did in Game 3. Dennis Schröder’s seeing the basket right now bigger than the ocean as he was able to go for a playoff career-high in points tonight going for 30. Dennis has been able to bring that energy to the Thunder team on both sides of the ball and you can tell he’s got his legs back under him from missing those games outside the bubble. It didn’t matter who was in front of Dennis tonight his first step was lightning fast as he was blowing by the Rockets zone defense.  When Dennis’ playing like this on a nightly basis it’s tough for anyone to beat the Thunder because their confidence is at an all-time high. If Dennis Schröder doesn’t win the 6th Man of the Year award it would be a crime because he means that much to this Thunder team.

 

 

Chris Paul came through with another clutch performance in back to back outings and has continued to show people this isn’t a flashback. CP3 finished the game with 26 points on the night but came through in clutch time just like he’s done for OKC during the regular season. Time and time again Chris Paul continues to put his teammates in a position to win and he continues to make the smart offensive play. One thing that really helps CP3 out is the fact that he knows the D’Atoni system and he already knows what the Rockets want to run. Down the stretch, Chris was able to get to his spots and used his stepback to finish the deal against the Rockets when it counted the most. Chris Paul was in the MVP discussion all season and tonight he was able to be extremely valuable in the biggest moments of the game. Billy Donovan has shown trust and faith in his team all season and remained calm when having his three guards take it to Houston on the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet 18 points tonight but was all over the boards as he finished with 12 rebounds. Shai is the future of this team while being able to be in the present with leaders like Chris Paul and Dennis Schröder it’s really helped his game grow on a nightly basis. When SGA plays with this type of confidence he’s one of the smoothest players and he’s gaining this playoff experience that can help moving forward in this postseason.

 

 

 

The Houston Rockets had some chances to really put the Thunder away but never capitalized on it. Houston came out the gate in the second half 8/8 from the field and was up by 15 points. James Harden has been unstoppable in this series as we know he’s going to get his points but when he goes to the bench Houston struggles. Harden was guarded by Lu Dort again tonight as he finished with 32 points and 15 assists. The Thunder can live with Harden getting his points they can’t let the other guys on the Rockets shoot with confidence. Harden has been able to get anything he wanted in this series but it’s all about making him work and OKC has done that. Jeff Green has been killing the Thunder off the bench and he finished with only 10 points tonight. Jeff Green has used the mismatch against Steven Adams to his advantage but tonight the shots he was hitting before didn’t fall.

 

 

In the last two games, Danuel House has been able to score and make the most of the open looks that he’s received in breakdowns. House finished with 21 points tonight as this series has been all about the other guys. It’s clear that Harden has done everything that he can but since Lu Dort has entered the lineup it’s been a little tougher. The Rockets ramped up some of Russell Westbrook’s work as there is hope that he will come back for Game 5. If Russell Westbrook’s available for Game 5 in this series the emotions and physical play will be enhanced as the Brodie’s coming to save the day. Russell Westbrook in this series will be a huge boost to the Rockets as they look to advance to the next round.

 

 

Game 5 is on Wednesday as the series is now tied at (2-2)

 

 

 

Aug 25, 2020 No Comments
Nike Continues “What The” Themes with Three Kybrid S2

Nike Continues “What The” Themes with Three Kybrid S2

Sneaker Releases

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

The model Nike Kybrid S2 is a model that combines design elements from previous Kyrie models like the 4, 5, and 6. As a shoe that would get many seconds looks follow by the phrase “What The?” Will come in Nike’s beloved “What The” motif.

The “What The” treatment is taking some of the best colorway from the signature shoe and merging them to make an eye popping colorway that would make Picasso blush.

Having the ability to take the best colorways of 3 signature sneaker gives Nike endless possibility. This led to the 3 iteration of Nike Kybrid S2 model in the “What The” theme.

One of the pairs that will be releasing includes this “What The USA” colorway, inspired by the teams that represented the United States in international competitions. Taking details and patterns of past jersey designs and merges them with an iconic tie-dye pattern.

Nike Kybrid S2 “What The USA”
Style Code: CT1971-400
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Price: $130

It features the graphic pattern from the ’08 team kits on the Swoosh and heel, and nods to the ’14 and ’16 teams on the midsole and upper. Represent your love for the game on or off the court with this bold red, white and blue colourway.

Look for the Nike Kybrid S2 “What The USA” to release on September 3rd at select retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $130 USD.

Another rendition integrates SpongeBob elements on the right side, pineapple Swoosh panels, and left tongue branding, multi-Swoosh decor on the medial side to nod to his Pride offering, Chinese New Year roses on the right tongue, Kyrie 4 “Confetti” medial walls on the left foot, cheetah patterns on the carved-out heels, and more.

Nike Kybrid S2 “What The Kyrie”
Color: Multi-Color/Multi-Color
Release Date: Fall 2020
Price: $130

The Third offering, inspiration behind the design is currently unknown. But look for this Kybrid S2 to release later this Fall 2020 at select retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $130 USD Much like the previous pairs.

Nike Kybrid S2 “What The”
Release Date: Fall 2020
Price: $130

Check out additional images below and stay tuned for updates on details and release date information.

Aug 25, 2020 No Comments
Kicks Through the Lens (Week 1 of Playoffs)

Kicks Through the Lens (Week 1 of Playoffs)

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by | Aug 25, 2020 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

Week 1 of the playoffs is officially over and boy were we entertained. There were a couple usual sweeps that we saw coming but for the most part all of the series have been very competitive. Will there be an upset on the horizon if one of these higher seeded teams doesn’t get their act together? Is the East more of a race than people anticipated? Nothing like having playoff basketball in August and September to help answer all of these questions.

 

Kawhi Leonard’s new signature shoe with New Balance is displaying some very colorful iterations – ones that go against Leonard’s reserved personality. Kobe’s 42nd birthday would’ve been this past week and players all over the league were paying tribute and sporting old signature models of his. Budding young superstar, Luka Doncic, has put the league on notice that he not only has arrived, but he is here to stay and to take over. Jordan Brand is probably sitting back grinning ear to ear, happy that they were able to sign the now 21-year-old to their company. Paul George’s kicks have been on fire, unfortunately his game has yet to resemble his “Playoff P” mantra. P.J. Tucker wowed us the past week with yet another sneaker we have never seen on court. King James paid homage to Crenshaw’s very own, Nipsey Hussle. Will someone knock off Lebron for this past week’s #1 spot in our Kicks Through the Lens?

 

 

15. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 “Pick & Roll” – Donovan Mitchell

 

           

 

 

14. Jordan XXXIV P.E. – Kemba Walker

 

     

 

 

13. Nike PG 1 P.E. – Paul George

 

     

 

 

12. OVO x Jordan XVI – P.J. Tucker

 

     

 

 

11. New Balance The KAWHI – Kawhi Leonard

 

     

 

 

10. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – P.J. Tucker

 

     

 

 

9. Nike PG 1 P.E. – Paul George

 

     

 

 

8. Jordan CP3.XII (Southern University) Custom – Chris Paul

 

     

 

 

7. Nike Kobe 5 Protro P.E. – T.J. Warren

 

     

 

 

6. Jordan XXXIV “Welcome to the Zoo” – Jayson Tatum

 

     

 

5. Nike LeBron XVII “Air Command Force” (Alternate) P.E. – LeBron James

 

     

 

 

4. Undefeated x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Dirty Dozen” – Joe Harris

 

           

 

 

3. Nike LeBron XVII “Crenshaw” P.E. – LeBron James

 

           

 

 

2. Jordan XXXIV “Taco Jay” P.E. – Jayson Tatum

 

                             

 

 

1. OVO x Jordan VIII “Charles Oakley” P.E. – P.J. Tucker

 

           

    

 

 

 

 

Aug 25, 2020 No Comments
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “5 Rings” Set to Return In 2020

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “5 Rings” Set to Return In 2020

Sneaker Releases

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Nike has officially brought back Kobe signature sneaker back onto the market since Kobe’s tragic passing in January. Under the umbrella of Mamba Week, we have a full roster which features the Kobe 5 “Big Stage”,Kobe 5 “5x Champ”,Kobe 5 “Girls EYBL” and Undefeated Kobe 5.

These are not the only sneaker dropping in the near future, both the Bruce Lee Kobe 5 shoes and the “5 Rings” are set to return to shelves.

The Nike Kobe 5 “5 Rings” originally released Summer of 2010 in celebration of Kobe Bryant’s fifth NBA championship,will be returning in Kobe 5 Protro form with none of the exterior being changed.

Featuring a Purple-to-Yellow upper detailed with laser-etched verbiage spelling out “Five Rings” and depicting Kobe’s great accomplishments. Yellow Kobe tongues and Swooshes on the sides atop a gradient midsole and translucent outsole completes the design.

Check out the first look images at the Kobe 5’s below and stay tuned for updates.

Aug 25, 2020 No Comments
Nike Goes Big For Mamba Week

Nike Goes Big For Mamba Week

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by | Aug 24, 2020 | Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

In honor of the birthday of the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, Nike has taken this week to release a plethora of the Nike Kobe V Protros. Kicking off with last Sunday’s release of the “Big Stage” V, Nike has been honoring the legacy of one of basketball’s greatest heroes for the entire week of what would have been his 42nd birthday. 

Not only is Nike honoring the Black Mamba through new releases, they also announced they are donating $1 million dollars to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. 

Not only does Mamba Week celebrate the birth of Kobe Bryant but celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Lakers 2010 championship victory. The “Big Stage” Kobe V Protro is a fusion of both the Big Stage Home and Away colorways Kobe wore on the court during the 09-10 season. The tattoo-like details that show up on the silhouette’s lateral sides have been updated to reflect some of Kobe’s achievements during the seasons as well. 

Nike follows up the Big Stage Kobe V Protro with the “5x Champ” Kobe V Protro which is an homage to the iconic jackets Kobe wore following the Lakers’ 2001 and 2002 Championship victories, most specifically the one from 2001 which it mirrors almost exactly. The Lakers colorway is also topped with a snakeskin texture as a nod to the Mamba himself. 

Alongside the “5x Champ” Kobe V Protro, Nike is reviving the Black Mamba inspired City jerseys originally introduced in 2017 after Kobe’s retirement. The black snakeskin jersey features 8 on the front and 24 on the back–honoring the entirety of Kobe’s storied career. 

The biggest draw may be Thursday’s Undefeated Kobe V collaborations. The Los Angeles-based sneaker boutique is no stranger to working with Kobe. After a collection centering on Kobe’s acolytes, Undefeated returns with the focus on Kobe himself. Undefeated’s “What if” collection features two separate pairs of shoes that highlight the teams that passed on Kobe during the 1996 draft while the white blue and gold pair are reference to Kobe’s original draft team, the Charlotte Hornets. 

Mamba Week comes to a close on Saturday with the Nike 5 Protro “Girls EYBL” an ode to Kobe’s unflappable love for women’s basketball and to honor the memory of the Mambacita, Gigi Bryant. The “Girls EYBL” Kobe 5 Protro is inspired by Medusa of Greek mythology who bore the ability to turn her enemies into stone. The dark green shoe features gray along the eyelets and on the toe box, as well as the EYBL logo stamped on the tongue.

The Mamba lives forever.

Aug 24, 2020 No Comments