Dame Time Too Much Down The Stretch As OKC Loses Close One (102-99)

by Travis Singleton | Oct 31, 2019 | Featured, NBA, uncategorised

The Thunder have been a scrappy group of guys this season. Everyone has counted them out and that has been the motivation this season. A lot of teams like Portland come into the game not knowing what to expect from this new-look team. One thing that they find out is that this squad has a lot of heart and they have amazing ball movement. The Thunder played against Portland and they were able to execute throughout the game as both teams struggled with scoring. It wasn’t until the second unit when Dennis Schröder was able to give the Thunder spark to help them stay afloat in this game. The way Dennis played was exactly what the Thunder wanted when he came from Atlanta and it seems like he’s able to be free and play his game. Dennis was able to affect the game in all phases as he was able to score, defend, and show energy with hustle plays. The way that he’s played the last two games has been a huge boost to this team as it seems like NBA teams are finally trying to gameplan for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a lot more. Dennis was able to create his own shot and was able to attack while having the hot hand for the Thunder.

CP3 struggled in the first half and Dennis was able to fill that void on the team. The second half is when CP3 was able to get more aggressive as he was getting to the basket and drawing a lot of fouls. CP3 was able to get to the line but he also handed out a lot of nice passes that led to the Thunder scoring. Chris Paul can’t be passive on this team and when he doesn’t attack it doesn’t help the others. When Chris can attack it makes the other team focus on him and forces them to stay put defensively. When Chris plays at that All-Star level that we know he has anything is possible. CP3 is the leader of this team and this team will go as far as he can help them go on the season. CP3 finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists against Portland. Nerlens Noel has come up big time in his chances with Steven Adams being hurt and that continued tonight as had a monster game with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Nerlens has shown his quickness and his willingness to defend at an elite level. Noel made it tough on the Trail Blazers tonight and was able to dominate in the paint when he had chances too with and without Whiteside in the game.

The Thunder played well but this Portland team has been through the trenches together and it showed tonight. Portland had CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard who are two players the Thunder fans know very well after the playoffs. When both of them have their game going it’s tough to actually try to stop them. Tonight it was CJ who went off in the first half as the Thunder tried to put multiple players on him. Even with the improvements defensively of Hamidou and Terrance, he was able to make some tough shots. It’s almost like they take turns in the game especially since it was Dame Time in the second half. This time “Dame Time” was all about his shooting and facilitating with his teammates. Lillard finished with 23 points and 13 assists on the night and was able to create any time he wanted too. The Thunder have been in every single game this season but it’s clear they haven’t found who will be their closer in close games. Lillard was able to execute down the stretch and postgame even admitted that the Thunder have a lot more ball movement.

The Thunder will face the Pelicans on Saturday without Zion as that’s a game that they need badly to get back into the winning column.

Oct 31, 2019 No Comments

Rick Ross and Dwyane Wade Release Two Budding Sneakers Thanks to Mutual Miami Connection

Celebs

by Brendon Schunck | Oct 23, 2019 | Celebs, Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers, uncategorised

NBA legend and former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade has recently collaborated with Rick Ross on a special release of two of his Way of Wade silhouettes. D-Wade’s loyalty to Miami is well-known and Rick Ross’ affinity for the same city can be seen throughout his music material and heard in his songs. Both individuals reside in Miami and teamed up for Li-Ning’s first-ever collaboration with a musical artist.

The Way of Wade 7, or “WoW 7”, is outfitted in a black/purple/gold/red color combination. This is the same model that D-Wade wore during his last season in the NBA. This WoW 7 also comes equipped with a removable crown that velcros onto the heel counter. When the crown is removed, “self made” can be seen written across the heel in red. The pull tabs say “Rick Ro$$” and Dwyane Wade’s Li-Ning ‘Way of Wade’ logo can be seen predominantly across the foot in red.

The second pair released from Li-Ning and the duo of “The Boss” and D-Wade is the Way of Wade Essence Ace II. This sneaker is definitely a lifestyle choice in contrasting with the more performance-based WoW 7. Dressed in an all red upper, this Essence Ace II combines breathable mesh as well as high quality tumbled leather. Li-Ning is well-known for using very high quality materials on their footwear, especially for the Way of Wade line. “Rick Ro$$” is written in black on the side of the midsoles in addition to some Chinese inscriptions as well. Gold lace tips and a red lace lock round out this pair’s details.

Both pairs released October 19th on Li-Ning’s Way of Wade website as well as The Edition Sneaker Boutique in Miami, FL. The Essence Ace II retails for $200 and the WoW 7 fetches a price of $300.

Oct 23, 2019 No Comments

SneakerReporter NFL Power Rankings: 10/17

Featured

by Brandon Jefferson | Oct 17, 2019 | Featured, NFL, uncategorised

Each week, SneakerReporter will put out their power rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

With Week 7 kicking off tonight (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos, 8:20 PM EST on Fox and NFL Network) it’s time to unveil where each team sits.

The fun begins below and be sure to check back each Thursday to track how far up or down your favorite team moves from week-to-week.

1. New England Patriots 6-0 (LW: 1)

The depth (and talent) at wide receiver is diminishing and injuries are depleting the offensive line too but this defense is insanely dominant.

2. New Orleans Saints 5-1 (LW: 3)

As long as Alvin Kamara’s injury isn’t serious this four-game win streak should continue.

3. San Francisco 49ers 5-0 (LW: 5)

11 MORE GAMES JIMMY GAROPPOLO, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

4. Green Bay Packers 5-1 (LW: 5)

Apparently Allen Lazard is a thing now?

5. Kansas City Chiefs 4-2 (LW: 2)

Dear football gods, please heal Patrick Mahomes ankle for good.

6. Seattle Seahawks 5-1 (LW: 8)

More like Russell Wil-WIN am I right?!?!

7. Buffalo Bills 4-1 (LW: 6)

Still sitting pretty after a bye week in Buffalo.

8. Houston Texans 4-2 (LW: 16)

Deshaun Watson went into battle with Patrick Mahomes and came out victorious on the other side, that’s rare.

9. Minnesota Vikings 4-2 (LW: 13)

For the second straight week, the passing game came to life for Kirk Cousins and Minnesota.

10. Indianapolis Colts 3-2 (LW: 11)

This upcoming game against the Houston Texans is going to be big.

11. Baltimore Ravens 3-2 (LW: 14)

Lamar Jackson unleashed his inner Mike Vick against the Bengals last week.

12. Carolina Panthers 4-2 (LW: 20)

Kyle Allen continues to do the smart thing: get Christian McCaffrey the ball.

13. Detroit Lions 2-2-1 (LW: 7)

They should be madder at the officials than Saints fans.

14. Dallas Cowboys 3-3 (LW: 10)

The only thing that bounced back at MetLife Stadium were rumors of Jason Garrett being on the hot seat.

15. Philadelphia Eagles 3-3 (LW: 9)

The Eagles missed out on their shot at Jalen Ramsey and it could end up costing them the division.

16. Los Angeles Rams 3-3 (LW: 12)

The joke everyone is making: Jalen RAMSey.

17. Oakland Raiders 3-2 (LW: 15)

Jon Gruden in Lambeau against Aaron Rodgers is the most football sentence that’s ever been written.

18. Chicago Bears 3-2 (LW: 17)

Khalil Mack isn’t going to go down without a fight.

19. Cleveland Browns 2-4 (LW: 18)

A much-needed bye week has arrived in Cleveland.

20. New York Jets 1-4 (LW: 29)

Sam Darnold was the CURE this whole time.

21. Arizona Cardinals 2-3-1 (LW: 25)

Kyler and Kliff get their second win.

22. New York Giants 2-4 (LW: 22)

Poor Daniel Jones, he’s gone from first-ballot Hall of Fame selection to the reincarnation of Eli Manning

23. Los Angeles Chargers 2-4 (LW: 19)

You can’t lose that game, you just CAN’T.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-4 (LW: 23)

Chris Godwin is STILL a M O N S T E R.

25. Denver Broncos 2-4 (LW: 26)

OOPS, VIC DID IT AGAIN!

26. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-4 (LW: 27)

Devlin Hodges dinked and dunked his way to an improbable victory.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-4 (LW: 21)

#MinshewMagic is starting to get debunked on the field.

28. Tennessee Titans 2-4 (LW: 24)

This team is even MORE confusing with Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback.

29. Washington Redskins 1-5 (LW: 30)

Good job winning the tank bowl Case Keenum, now take a seat on the bench for Dwayne Haskins.

30. Atlanta Falcons 1-5 (LW: 28)

This team needs to fire Dan Quinn and FAST.

31. Cincinnati Bengals 0-6 (LW: 31)

A.J. Green should’ve been back by now, maybe he’s pulling a Jalen Ramsey, just more quietly.

32. Miami Dolphins 0-5 (LW: 32)

THE TANK REMAINS STRONG!

Oct 17, 2019 No Comments

The Evolution of Chris Paul’s Signature Sneaker Line

Featured

by Brendon Schunck | Oct 16, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers, uncategorised

Chris Paul, or “CP3”, has been taking the NBA by storm for the better part of a decade. Throughout his time in the league he has been seen as one of the top-tier point guards while playing with a hard-nose mentality every opponent and teammate has come to expect. CP3 is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, NBA Rookie of the Year (2006), 9x NBA All-Defensive Team, 8x All-NBA Team, and 9x NBA All-Star. With all of these accolades and achievements, Chris Paul has been doing it relatively under the radar in his own signature shoes.

Out of college, Chris Paul was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft and originally signed a four-year, $600,000 a year deal with Nike. I mean who could forget Chris Paul being a part of Nike’s now famous “Second Coming” commercial from 2007? Paul eventually gravitated towards the Jordan Brand division under Nike, as Michael Jordan hand-picks his brand endorsers himself. Fast forward to 2019 and Chris Paul is releasing his 12th signature shoe with Jordan Brand, yes you read that right, his TWELFTH signature sneaker.

Jordan Brand and Chris Paul have been releasing iterations for the All-Star PG every year since 2008. His shoes fit the bill for fast, athletic point guards, who change direction quickly. Premier Jordan Brand schools like North Carolina, Marquette, Georgetown, Florida, Oklahoma, and California (before they switched to Under Armour) all get outfitted with CP3’s every season. Of course Chris Paul’s former school, Wake Forest, gets special Jordan Brand CP3 sneakers, even though they’re a Nike school.

Chris Paul is second only to Carmelo Anthony, in number of signature shoes under the Jordan Brand wing. Paul currently sits at 12 while Anthony and JB decided to halt their signature sneaker line after 13 models. Russell Westbrook is the only other current Jordan Brand signature sneaker athlete. It’s hard having a shoe do high numbers these days in the market when you’re competing with the likes of the Nike Lebron, KD, Kyrie, Kobe, and Paul George lines, Adidas Harden and Lillard shoes, as well as Steph Curry’s Under Armour series. Putting that aside, it is a major feat to have a signature sneaker line last as long as Chris Paul’s has.

CP has a new home this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and will look to remain on the top shelf of NBA point guards while wearing his Jordan CP3.XII. Fan-favorites from Paul’s shoe line when it comes to both looks and on-court performance are the CP3.VI and CP3.VII respectively. In fact, Chris Paul’s signature sneakers have even graced NikeiD.com for complete personalization options. Five models in the line have also featured “AE” models to release after the initial launch run. These “AE” CP3’s are basically a takedown version of that year’s signature shoe and feature lighter weight materials and mesh for more ventilation. His new 12th model looks to be a hit as Paul has already been seen rocking a few eye-catching colorways. Look below to see the evolution of the Chris Paul signature sneaker line and to see just why MJ hand-picked CP3 to represent his brand.

Jordan CP3.I (2008)

Jordan CP3.II (2009)

Jordan CP3.III (2010)

Jordan CP3.IV (2011)

Jordan CP3.IV Advance (2011)

Jordan CP 2’Quick (2011)

Jordan CP3.V (2011)

Jordan CP3.VI (2012)

Jordan CP3.VI AE (2013)

Jordan CP3.VII (2013)

Jordan CP3.VII AE (2014)

Jordan CP3.VIII (2014)

Jordan CP3.VIII AE (2015)

Jordan CP3.IX (2015)

Jordan CP3.IX AE (2016)

Jordan CP3.X (2016)

Jordan CP3.X AE (2017)

Jordan CP3.XI (2018)

Jordan CP3.XII (2019)

Oct 16, 2019 No Comments

Literally ‘Walk on Water’ With these Special Nike Air Maxes

Featured

by Brendon Schunck | Oct 10, 2019 | Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers, uncategorised

Matthew 14:25 – “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”

We already know the Air Max bubble on Nike’s historic sneakers is second-to-none. How about one-upping that and filling it with actual holy water? Well that’s exactly what Brooklyn-based creative label MSCHF did. They took an all white pair of Air Max 97’s and basically customized them to fit the bill as if they were doing a collaboration with Jesus Christ himself.

The self-proclaimed ‘Jesus Shoes’ by MSCHF were made to kind of poke fun at collaboration culture. “We wanted to make a statement about how absurd collab culture has gotten. We were wondering, what would a collab with Jesus Christ look like?” The shoes have been filled with 60cc of holy water and then dyed a more blue-ish tint so it can be further visible. The pair also features the bible verse Matthew 14:25 on the lateral side as well as a steel crucifix acting as a lace lock ornament. The water injected into the shoes is directly from the River Jordan and actually blessed by a priest. The heel of the right shoe says “INRI” which stems from the Latin phrase ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’ which means ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.’

The ‘Jesus Shoes’ come equipped with red insoles as paying homage to the Vatican in addition to also being scented with Frankincense. Let it be known that this release is in no way affiliated with Nike and is a pure custom done by the Brooklyn company. This release sold out within a minute on October 8th, with seemingly everyone wanting to be able to ‘walk on water.’ The original retail price was $1,425 (again a nod to the Matthew 14:25 Bible verse), but now fetch a price of around $3,000 on StockX. Are you feeling holy enough to wear shoes that are this blessed?

Oct 10, 2019 No Comments

Top 10 Kicks Worn for 2019 NBA Media Day

Featured

by Brendon Schunck | Oct 1, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers, uncategorised

The 2019 NBA Media Day has officially come and gone and your top sneakerheads in the league did not disappoint with what was on their feet. Established veterans as well as NBA newcomers showed out in sneakers both new and old. There were many fresh faces to be seen in their new team threads. New teams mean new color options when it comes to players looking to match their kicks to their uniforms. Kobe IV Protro PE’s were seen in abundance on players like Anthony Davis, Isaiah Thomas, Devin Booker, and Trevor Ariza. Newly signed brand endorsers Zion Williamson (Jordan Brand), Kyle Kuzma (Puma), Jason Tatum (Jordan Brand), and RJ Barrett (Puma) were seen sporting the latest sneakers their respective companies had to offer. Signature athletes including Steph Curry (Under Armour), Damian Lillard (Adidas), and James Harden (Adidas) were all photographed wearing their brand new silhouettes for the upcoming season. Some players chose to bring it back to classic Nike basketball, sporting some of the brand’s and players’ most memorable signature sneakers – most notably Lebron James and Paul George. Trimming all of the sneakers worn on media day down to just 10 was no easy task. We looked for criteria like wearing something no one has ever seen before, wearing a shoe that is a classic plus has ties to the current team you’re on, originality, creativity, exclusivity, and something no one else would be seen wearing on media day as well. Look below to see the Top 10 Kicks Worn for Media Day and let us know what you think and who got snubbed.