Welcome to Nightly Pro Notables: a collection of the hottest sneakers and biggest moments of the night on August 13, 2020.
This day saw some of the most action packed basketball in quite some time, with four teams needing wins (and other losses) to advance to the 8-9 seed play-in on Saturday. The Grizzlies and Suns had to watch until the last possession of the Portland game to learn their fate. Read more on the nail-biting highlights below.
PRO PERFORMANCES
Dame Pulls Out All the Stops
On the last meaningful game in the NBA bubble and regular season, Dame had to come up big against the scrappy Brooklyn Nets. The NY squad came in prepared after Lillard scored 51 and 61 his past two games, blitzing Damian with double-teams whenever he touched the ball.
With the Blazers down in the 4th, Lillard decided to take things into his own hands from half-court:
The logo shot sparked some life into the Blazers, opening up the floor after Brooklyn decided to double at half-court. Dame even laid his body out in the clutch with a steal with under a minute left:
The off-white colored adidas Dame 6 that Lillard rocked this game isn’t currently available, but you can find other colors at StockX and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Double Triple Doubles for Grizz
With their own play-in lives at stake, Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas had to show out for the Memphis Grizzlies. They did just that against the Giannis-less Bucks (suspended for head-butting.) Both players showed their grit and grind with triple doubles, getting the W to play the 8th seeded Blazers.
Ja Morant rocked the Nike Adapt BB 1.0, which you can find at StockX, Flight Club, and Stadium Goods.
Jonas wore the Nike KD 13, which is available at StockX and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
PRO HIGHLIGHTS
LeVert Couldn’t Be Stopped
Much of the pressure against the Blazers play-in hopes was due to one Caris LeVert. The Brooklyn Net was on fire this game, tallying 37 points on hanging shots like this one:
The Nike Kyrie Low 2 “Spongebob/ Sandy Cheeks” colorway LeVert wore this game can be found at StockX.
One Last D Book Highlight
Pour one out for Devin Booker and his Phoenix Suns, who were just a LeVert made shot away from advancing to the bubble play-in. The Suns were always at a disadvantage but went a perfect 8-0 in the seeding games.
The future is bright for Book, who had plenty of dribble moves like the one above in Orlando.
The blue and orange Nike Kobe 5 Protro Devin wore isn’t currently available, but you can find that style at StockX,GOAT, and Flight Club.
PRO SNEAKERS
Mambas Forever
Anthony Davis debuted the new UNDFTD Nike Kobe 5 Protro today, after Nike broke the news that they will continue selling Kobe sneakers furthering the Mamba Mentality.
This white, gold, and rapid teal colorway was inspired by the draft day trade from the Hornets to the Lakers that cemented Kobe’s legacy.
While not available yet, you can purchase at StockX.
New Brons Alert
Not to be outdone with debuts is A.D.’s teammate. King James rocked a black and white colorway of the upcoming Nike LeBron 18, writing his typical family shout-outs on the white midsole.
Luka’s New Kicks
While not a signature shoe, Luka Doncic notably rocked a new pair of Jordans today. The Jordan React Elevation is a new team shoe that features lightweight React foam and Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot.
This PE isn’t available, but you can find other colorways at Nike Store and StockX.
Spider-Kicks for Don
In what could be a nod to T-Mac’s 2004 All-Star appearance with red/blue mismatched shoes, Donovan Mitchell brought the heat today against the San Antonio Spurs. Mitchell popped up in classic Spider-Man colors in Orlando, which matches his Spida logo to perfection.
The adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 hasn’t dropped just yet.
