SneakerReporter 2019 NBA Marquee Match-Ups 10/28

SneakerReporter 2019 NBA Marquee Match-Ups 10/28

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by | Oct 29, 2019 | Featured, NBA

NBA fans have finally gotten their first look at the league, with all teams with a handful of games under their belts. As the teams attempt to still find their footing within the early stages of the grueling 82-game season, we take a look into the notable games that’ll be going on throughout the week.

With both teams starting off strong, we take a look at the Eastern Conference match-up between the 76ers and the Hawks. Hawks point guard Trae Young has been an absolute bucket his coming into his second season, help leading his team to wins over the Pistons and the Magic. Young has scored over 35 plus points in his first two games, shooting the ball well from everywhere he wants and also distributing the ball well too. They hope to continue this momentum going into the week, but may find some trouble against one of the bigger names coming out of the East in the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers recently came off a win against the Pistons and the Celtics in what were some very good games for all those involved. Joel Embiid sat out their last game against the Pistons, still being able to pull out with the win, and with him back in tonight’s line-up, Embiid, Simmons, and the rest of the Sixers hope to come out with the top spot in the East.

Another game worth looking into is the Thunder’s first meeting against the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma is going into their second game of a back-to-back in an astounding victory over the Golden State Warriors, finishing that game 120-92, and hope to take that momentum into Houston against their once Superstar point guard in Russell Westbrook. There seemed to been a lot of doubt going into the season in regards to the Thunder, and so far they’ve made the statement that they are still a team that will compete with anyone night in and night out. The Thunder received contributions on the offensive end from almost all of their players, adding on to the convincing victory, while the Rockets have so far been playing a strong game of basketball as well, in a game where Westbrook passed Magic Johnson in most Triple-Doubles in league history with 139. Westbrook has officially moved to second, behind the great Oscar Robertson who stands at the top with 181. James Harden has been struggling with his shot to say the least, where these last two games he has averaged 24 points on about 24% shooting. Harden and the Rockets hope to get him back into the swing of things going into tonight’s game.

To top off today’s list of notable games, we look into two playoff caliber teams squaring off early in the season. The Trail Blazers are also coming off a back-to-back, having just played the Dallas Mavericks in a very close game. They were able to come back from being down big at the half. C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 63 on the win, with McCollum leading all scorers with 35 points. They’ve looked very strong with their new roster and will try to continue their success against one of the most prolific teams in league history in the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are also coming off a win in another close game against the the Washington Wizards, receiving contributions from all of their players on the offensive end, with DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge leading the way. The Spurs are getting a lot of their players back that were away due to injury such as Lonnie Walker and Dejounte Murray. The Spurs would like for them to really come into their own this season to help make a push in a very strong Western Conference.

Oct 29, 2019 No Comments
Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 1 of NBA Season

Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 1 of NBA Season

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by | Oct 28, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

A new NBA season is upon us. Star players are getting acclimated to their new teams and a feel of optimization is in the air (for now). Former dynasties are having to come to the realization that they’re not as good as they are used to being. One thing that stays consistent, no matter what the landscape of the league may look like, is players coming hard with their footwear. New teams for signature and sponsorship athletes mean new colorways and special mock-ups to hit the hardwood.

Players like Lebron James, Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James Harden are all sporting their new signature sneakers. Kyrie Irving is still going strong with unreleased versions of his fifth signature model, preparing to soon debut the Kyrie 6’s on court. Kevin Durant, due to injury, is unable to be seen wearing his KD 12’s on the court, however we did get to see him debut them in the 2018-19 NBA playoffs. Paul George is currently out with an injury, but his PG 3’s are a favorite among NBA players to not only wear released versions, but NikeiD options as well. Expect Paul George to debut his fourth signature shoe soon after his return. The Nike Kobe 4 Protro appears to be THE go-to game sneaker for Nike sponsored players across the league. You’d be hard-pressed to find a team that didn’t have a player wearing the classic low-cut silhouette. Nike has made a plethora of Player Exclusive Kobe 4 Protro mockups for players such as Anthony Davis, Isaiah Thomas, P.J. Tucker, DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant, George Hill, Luka Doncic, and Paul Millsap. Even players who aren’t technically under contract with the Swoosh are opting to wear Kobe 4’s on the hardwood.

Each week we will be doing a Top 15 NBA Kicks on Court. Look below to see what was in store for the first week and to find out if any of your picks made the list!

 

15. Under Armour Curry 1 Icon “Digi Camo” – Hamidou Diallo – Oklahoma City Thunder

 

 

       

 

 

14. Adidas Dame 6 “Ruthless” –  Damian Lillard – Portland Trailblazers

 

 

     

 

 

13. New Balance OMN1S P.E. – Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers

 

 

     

 

 

12. Nike Kyrie 5 “Pineapple House” – Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets

 

 

     

 

 

11. Nike KD 4 “Undefeated” – Derrick Jones Jr. – Miami Heat

 

 

     

 

 

10. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #1 “Mailman” – Donovan Mitchell – Utah Jazz

 

 

     

 

 

9. Nike Kobe 4 Protro P.E. – Paul Millsap – Denver Nuggets

 

 

     

 

 

8. Nike Kobe 6 “Helicopter” – Trey Lyles – San Antonio Spurs

 

 

     

 

 

7. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 “Pink Lemonade” – James Harden – Houston Rockets

 

 

     

 

 

6. Nike Lebron XVII “2K” – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

 

     

 

 

5. Nike Kyrie 5 “Spongebob” (Unreleased) – Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets

 

 

     

 

 

4. Nike Kobe 4 Protro P.E. – DeMar DeRozan – San Antonio Spurs

 

 

     

 

 

3. Jordan VI “Travis Scott” – P.J. Tucker – Houston Rockets

 

 

     

 

 

2. Jordan XXXIV P.E. – Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics

 

 

     

 

 

1. Nike Lebron XVII “Red Carpet” – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 28, 2019 No Comments
OKC Thunder Grab Their First Win Of The Season Against Golden State (120-92)

OKC Thunder Grab Their First Win Of The Season Against Golden State (120-92)

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by | Oct 27, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder had their foot on the gas all day long against Golden State. This was the first time we were able to get a glimpse of what this team could look like clicking on all cylinders. If OKC can get some strong nights from anyone other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul, and Steven Adams this could be a playoff team The Thunder defense was all over the Warriors swarming them and making sure that Stephen Curry wasn’t able to get any good looks from the field. It looked as though the rest of the Warriors were struggling and the Thunder capitalized on it scoring 19 points on their turnovers. This was an overall performance from the OKC Thunder as they were able to have 5 scorers in double figures on the evening. The Thunder shot 55% percent from the field and were able to use defense to convert offense. The Thunder did everything right tonight from the hustle plays to the rebounding.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been able to show a lot of growth in his 2nd season in the NBA. The way he’s playing the game looks pretty easy and effortless. Shai has been able to get his shot off whenever he wants and he’s been able to glide into the paint with beautiful finishes as well. One thing that Shai showed off today against the Warriors is that he can create space for his jump shot. SGA finished the game with 19 points on the night and showed that he can get it done against a potential playoff team in the Golden State Warriors. Shai looked good but tonight was about the other guys as Danilo Gallinari was about to get his 3 point shot going tonight against the Warriors. Gallinari was knocking down jumpers at a high rate and this is what the Thunder expected when they got him in the offseason. Gallinari was able to space out the floor for the team and drained every shot when given a little bit of space as he finished the game with 21 points on the night. Terrance Ferguson was able to get his game going and that was a breath of fresh air to all the Thunder fans waiting for his impact on a game. T-Ferg scored 13 and was able to hit those shots that he wasn’t able to the last two games. When Ferguson has the confidence and he’s making that corner 3 pointer his nights look a lot brighter. Ferguson was aggressive and attacked the basket on those back door cuts. That’s what OKC needs from him and he delivered today in a big way against the Warriors.

 

 

The Thunder got their momentum going off of the game of Dennis Schröder when he was rolling in the 2nd quarter. The way that Dennis hustled and was able to create for others opened the flood gates for this win. Schröder’s 6th man of this team and he was able to set the tone as he scored any way he wanted offensively in this game. If he can bring this energy and play night in and night out the Thunder could be a serious contender. Scrhöder finished with 22 points on the night. The one player that hasn’t shown his true colors so far even though he’s affected the game in other areas has been Chris Paul. When CP3 gets his game going this team could be a scary sight for any other team playing them moving forward. CP3 has shown the leadership but OKC fans will need for him to get it going offensively as he finished today with 10 points. When CP3 gets his assists and scoring going to add to what they did today against the Warriors this could something special.

 

 

The only bright spot for the Golden State Warriors today was Stephen Curry as he finished with 23 points. He was able to get his shot off when he wanted too but things were different without his other Splash Brother. The Warriors are in different territory as they’re trying to gel together new players that weren’t on the team last year. D’Angelo Russell was terrible tonight as he went 3/10 shooting with 6 points before he was ejected for getting in the referees face. This Warriors team is going to have some growing pains and their first win will have to wait on the season.

 

 

 

The Thunder have a quick turnaround as they will be heading to Houston to take on James Harden/Russell Westbrook after a back to back.

Oct 27, 2019 No Comments
THE BATTLE FOR L.A. ROUND 1 GOES TO THE CLIPPERS, A NIGHT WHERE DEFENSE WAS THE KEY

THE BATTLE FOR L.A. ROUND 1 GOES TO THE CLIPPERS, A NIGHT WHERE DEFENSE WAS THE KEY

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by | Oct 23, 2019 | Featured, NBA

Opening nights game gave views the introducing we’ve been waiting months to see with the Lakers and Clippers alike making moves that could have lasting effects for each franchise. Even if it was a sample of the 82 games both teams will play, the new-look Clippers got the edge Tuesday night.

The reigning Finals MVP led the way with 30 points, in 32 minutes to bring the Clippers a statement win. Going into last night’s game without one half of their big two in Paul George, many expected the Lakers to take home the victory but with the tenacious defense of Patrick Beverly and co.

Image result for laker clipper

Photo credit: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times

The narrative of a rivalry has been heavily discussed leading up to this opening night match, the Clippers have brushed aside any discussion of a competition between the two teams. As they say, actions do speak louder than words. Leonard  and New Balance came out with an ad that declared L.A. “his city.” Also, The “L.A. Our Way” banner that they unfurl above the arena signage outside spoke volumes.

“It’s the first game,” LeBron said. “The NBA is back, so everyone wants to have the narrative of a rivalry game and a huge test. Both teams are not who they want to be. … It’s not a rivalry.”

So what did we learn after last night’s game? Well, not much it’s just one game and both teams have to hammer something out. The Clippers looked as if they’ll be fine while waiting for Paul George to come back, who’s recovering from shoulder injuries.

The Lakers, on the other hand, need to find a starting point guard fast. Lebron James did run the offense from the point guard position. The offense was stagnant at points of the game where James would dribble, dribble, dribble, then kick out to a shooter or throw the ball to Anthony Davis on the elbow and in the post. James did look a little rusty with 18 points on 7/19 shooting, mind you that James didn’t partake in the preseason. in the words of TNT analysis Reggie Miller, give James about 10 games to knock off the rust. The addition of Danny Green was a very valuable one as he led his team in scoring and without him, we may have a completely different game.

Maurice Harkless of the Clippers drove past Anthony Davis, right, and Dwight Howard. Photo Credit Harry How, Getty Images

“We have a lot of room to improve,” LeBron James said. “We’re a new group that’s coming together. We have a new coaching staff. We have a new system.”

The Lakers could fix their offense within the next few games, as their chemistry builds, but there are two acquisitions the team could make to give themselves more firepower off the bench. Big Three MVP Joe Johnson and one of the greatest sixth man to play the game, Jamal Crawford. Joe Johnson has proven he’s more than capable of still playing at a good level and with his addition to the second unit while James is on the bench the amount of scoring wouldn’t take a major dip. The same could be said about Crawford who still has an elite handle and can get anywhere on the floor he pleases. It may not be ideal to fill your roster with aging stars but one or both of these players could bring value to the team.

The next time these two teams meet will be for their Christmas match up, it means the Lakers will have Kyle Kuzma back, while the Clippers get to take joy in the fact that they did this without Paul George. These teams could change a lot from now until Christmas and we may have an idea of where the Lakers and Clippers are headed.

 

Oct 23, 2019 No Comments
NBA Primetime Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers

NBA Primetime Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers

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by | Oct 23, 2019 | Featured, NBA

Game two of our season-opening doubleheader features LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ first official game together, and what better way to have it than to be against their in-house rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.

The new-look Clippers bring in Kawhi Leonard, 2019 Finals MVP and arguably the most dominant player on the planet, to a roster that is compact with elite defenders and scoring aficionados in the halfcourt. Alongside Leonard is Paul George, a man who not only finished third in MVP voting last season but is an undoubted top 3 two-way player. Both rosters are banged up so this isn’t really the full version of the Battle of Los Angeles; you’ll have to wait until Christmas day for that to happen when the teams face off again.

For the Lakers, their starting five consists of LeBron, new Laker Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, Danny Green, and Avery Bradley, as most of their guard and stretch big rotation will be out. As for the Clippers, only Paul George remains out for LA. They’re healthy and ready to go for tonight. They’ll roll out Kawhi, Patrick Patterson, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Beverley and Landry Shamut for their first game of the year.

This is indeed the game that the Clippers and Lakers circled on their calendars ever since both teams acquired their free-agent gems in the offseason, so now, its time for the star power of each squad to shine on the NBA’s biggest stage on opening night.

The Lakers have legitimate role players in Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and Quinn Cook while the Clippers employ what looks to be one of, if not the, deepest benches in the league that is headlined by star sixth man Lou Williams. What was a strong preseason by both AD and LeBron, is now only hopes that the very same chemistry exhibited by the two can show itself in the regular season.

Though both teams aren’t at full strength, expect a defensive battle from the get-go and a memorable season opener. The Lakers may just scrape this one out if the hype of LeBron-AD is real.

PREDICTION: 105-100 (Lakers)

Oct 23, 2019 No Comments
NBA Primetime Preview: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors

NBA Primetime Preview: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors

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by | Oct 23, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The season opener is upon us!

After three months and nine days NBA basketball is back on our television screens and this time, we debut a new season north of the border for the first time in NBA history.

Jurassic Park, the area outside of the Toronto Raptors’ Scotiabank Arena, will be buzzing with the loudest and zaniest of Canadiens, as they will have the unalienable privilege of seeing their hometown Raptors getting their championship rings while hoisting their first NBA title banner up in the lofty rafters of the arena formerly known as the Air Canada Centre.

The Raptors title defense is easily the hardest retention attempt in NBA history. Kawhi Leonard won a title for Toronto and dipped to the sunnier skies of Los Angeles to join Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, the Raptors are no slouch and are favored to snag a playoff spot once April comes around.

Yet, its probably not going to be a high seed as the team’s best player is the newly paid Pascal Siakam, who shined on the national stage by averaging 19.9 ppg. in the NBA Finals against Draymond Green as his matchup. He’ll be joined by the likes of longtime Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell in the starting five.

What’s worth mentioning, however, is that the Toronto Raptors played 22 games without Leonard in the lineup (due to either his quad strain or his load management set up for Leonard to rest). In those 22 games, the Raptors won 17 of those contests, so there is a reason to be optimistic about a championship roster that still has two potential all-stars in Lowry and Siakam and could make a respectable playoff run come the spring.

The New Orleans Pelicans pictured the evening of October 22 a lot differently in their heads prior to yesterday afternoon. The first overall pick Zion Williamson was scheduled to start his Rookie of the Year campaign in a foreign land, only to catch wind of the rookie phenom’s sudden and unfortunate meniscus tear that would sideline him for the next two months. Now, the Pelicans start out their 2019-20 season without the likes of their Brahma Bull in Williamson, which could cause injurious harm to head coach Alvin Gentry’s offensive attack.

Still, the show must go on, and the Pelicans will put out a starting five of two ex-lakers (as part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis to Los Angeles trade) in Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, as they’ll be paired with JJ Redick, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick Favors. Their leading scorer, Jrue Holiday, averaged over 21.2 points per contest and averaged about 8 dishes per game.

This game is going to be a pretty high scoring affair, and though the Raptors are without Leonard, they’ve shown they have the capability to win without him. Tonight’s outing will be an example of that since the Pelicans are undermanned without an already-elite slasher and proficient defender in Zion Williamson.

Plus, the Pelicans defensive attack will be pretty anemic inside with Favors starting at Power Forward and an unproven rookie in Jaxson Hayes. The Pels gave up an average of almost 118 points per game on the road and averaged over 115 offensively last season. The Toronto Raptors offense (who, might I add are coming out in their OG white and purple striped 90’s jerseys!) should be just fine in their new era, and can possibly be in contention in the next couple of seasons.

PREDICTION: 116-105 (Raptors)

Oct 23, 2019 No Comments