To spruce up NBA All-Star Weekend, a HORSE competition was implemented in 2009. Kevin Durant’s competition included O.J. Mayo and Joe Johnson, who pushed KD at the start.
Durant initially missed an over the back shot that Johnson made, missing the entire backboard. Durant eventually caught fire though, swishing long threes from the edge of the stage and nailing a granny shot (word to Rick Barry.) The game was close with Durant reaching H–O–R–S before he eventually beat the younger Mayo with fundamental corner threes for his first HORSE win.
On this national stage, Kevin Durant rocked his first signature sneaker; the Nike KD 1. This sneaker was incredibly budget friendly at $88. This also meant that technology wasn’t the best, with just a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added responsiveness. The synthetic leather upper and XDR outsole made the shoe outdoor friendly, with extra durable for street ball.
The orange All-Star colorway Durant rocked is currently unavailable, but you can find other colorways of the Nike KD 1 at StockX and GOAT.
Cover image via ESPN
