Passes look like they’re thrown in slow-mo when Zion is defending the play. The Indiana Hoosiers were just one of many victims to learn this lesson.
Duke had a comfortable lead in the first quarter when Indiana Guard Rob Phinisee tried to sneak a pass to big man Evan Fitzner. Like a lion pouncing on its prey, Zion jumped the passing lane on the slow pass. Williamson’s acceleration gave him so much space between the next defender, he was able to slow down to hype the crowd. Zion jumped and gathered the ball below his waist, before spiraling his left arm for an emphatic windmill dunk. Upon replay, you can see Fitzner in the background keel over, with Phinisee dropping his shoulders in dismay.
The sneakers Zion rocked for this moment was the Nike Kyrie 5. This style featured a unique Flytrap upper, a design that correlated Kyrie’s Irving to his birthplace of Australia. The shoe was designed for speed and court-feel, with a curved Air Zoom Turbo unit providing bounce in the forefoot in multiple directions.
A white Duke PE was worn for this highlight slam, but you can find other colorways of the Nike Kyrie 5 at StockX, Flight Club, and Stadium Goods.
Cover image via USA Today