Mac McClung had one of the best dunk contest showings since Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine duked it out in 2016. LeBron and Giannis drafted their teams as if they were on the blacktop and Jayson Tatum dropped 55 points in the debut of his signature shoe. All in all, it’s safe to say that it was a pretty decent All-Star Weekend out in Salt Lake City.
The sneaker game, of course, made sure not to disappoint. From colorful concoctions with meaningful inspirations to iconic colorways and specially crafted PEs, we’ve curtailed the best sneaker appearances from the NBA’s celebratory mid-season mark.
Jayson Tatum Wins MVP In Jordan JT 1
Dropping the most points ever scored in the history of the NBA All-Star Game, Jayson Tatum etched his name in the history books while posting 55 points in one of the debut colorways of his first signature silhouette with Jordan Brand, the Jordan JT 1 “Pink Lemonade”.
Paolo Banchero Air Jordan 37 Low PEs
In his first All-Star Weekend, the reigning No. 1 overall pick and Jordan Brand’s most recent signee pulled up in a trio of Air Jordan 37 Lows for the Jordan Rising Stars game and Skills Challenge. Inspired by 2018’s NRG Pack, each low-top featured titular homages to the “Buerdaux”, “Taxi” and “Bright Concord” schemes.
Mac McClung Dunk Contest Win In The PUMA Rise Nitro
Tap the glass over two people. 360 windmill. Double pump reverse. 540. According to Shaquille O’Neal, Mac McClung “saved the Dunk Contest,” all while quietly announcing an endorsement deal with PUMA. Rocking the PUMA Rise Nitro in its “Fiery Coral/Lime Squeeze” composition, the high-flying extravaganza certainly won’t be the last time we see McClung dawning a loud pair of PUMA’s.
Swarovski Covered Nike Ja 1 “Midnight”
First appearing during the weekend encased completely in ice at Nike Basketball’s Mt. 12skii, the Nike Ja 1 “Midnight” featuring a Swarovski crystal covered Swoosh made its on-court debut with the Team Giannis starter, glistening in the arena’s light as Morant threw down a handful of dunks throughout the night.
adidas Dame Certified “Weber State” PE
In tribute to his alma mater, Damian Lillard secured his first Three-Point Contest Championship while wearing a Weber State uniform and the adidas Dame Certified dressed in the Ogden school’s synonymous white/black/purple color palette.
Nike LeBron 20 All-Star PE
Sustaining a finger injury just before halftime, LeBron may not have played the remainder of the All-Star Game, but in the first half we were treated to flipped color blocking of the recently released Nike LeBron 20 “All-Star”. Maintaining its widely-popularized reverse Swoosh, the formerly accenting light neon coated the entirety of the upper while sky blue Checks accented the brightened ensemble.
Nike Zoom GT Cut 2 And Nike Cosmic Unity 2
While not officially released to the public, both the Nike Zoom GT Cut 2 and Cosmic Unity 2 enjoyed the same preservation treatment akin to the brand’s trio of signature silhouettes, posing under the Nike Basketball Museum banner. Dominated by jet-black uppers, a fiery golden graphic depicting constellations filled Jaden Ivey’s GT Cut 2 at the mid-foot Swoosh while Lauri Markkanen’s Cosmic Unity 2 indulged in the latter across the tongue and collar.
Under Armour Curry 2 Flotro “All-Star”
Ligament damage may have kept Stephen Curry out of this year’s festivities, but Bones Hyland made sure to rep both Curry Brand and Under Armour during the Skills Challenge with the Curry 2 Flotro “All-Star”, featuring nods to Curry’s life such as the Toronto area code where he played for Queensway Christian College in 8th grade.
Photos: NBAKicks