words_Nick Engvall
Tuesday the NBA season began with three games from around the league. For many the match-up of the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat was the most anticipated as it would be the first test for the newly assembled team from South Beach. If you’re grading at home, the Heat definitely didn’t score as well as most shoes do in our Performance Reviews, but to their credit they did make it look a lot closer than the 15 point deficit they carried into the half.
The Celtics looked like the team to beat from the start of the game and didn’t disappoint the home town fans. For the Heat however, while no team will have higher expectations, either they’re not the force people thought they were, or some first game jitters got the best of them.
In Los Angeles, the Lakers raised another banner at the Staples Center to celebrate last season’s title. Although the Rockets played well, getting an early lead and even carrying it into the third quarter, the Lakers pulled off a close win. Pau Gasol led Los Angeles with 29 points and 11 rebounds, Kobe scored 27 and new addition Steve Blake hit a crucial 3-pointer with less than 30 seconds remaining to seal the deal for the Lakers. The Houston Rockets were led by Kevin Martin with 26 points and Aaron Brooks who had 24 points and 9 assists. Unfortunately for Brooks his attempt at giving the Rockets a victory with seconds to go was blocked by Lamar Odom.
In the 3rd game of night, the Blazers looked rock solid against the team that knocked them out of last season’s playoffs, the Phoenix Suns. Brandon Roy led the way with 24 points and 6 assists, while Nicolas Batum added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Check out some of the footwear highlights from opening night Sneaker Watch below.
Rajon Rondo (uniquely) wearing the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse, laced about as low as possible.
Dwyane Wade in the Air Jordan 2010 gives a gentle push to Paul Pierce in his latest Nike Air Legacy PE.
Chris Bosh plays some defense wearing the Nike Air Max Hyperdunk 2010.
Nate Robinson always impresses with his footwear choices, wearing the Air Jordan 3 Retro Silver Anniversary.
LeBron and Dwyane looking a little stunned?
Steve Blake wearing the AND1 Tomahawk Low Player Exclusive.
Courtney Lee decided to open the season wearing the Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer.
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe V 5 Rings, defended by Kevin Martin wearing the Jordan 2010 Team which just got an A+ Performance Review.
Another look at Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe V 5 Rings.
Ron Artest recently made the switch to Ball’n shoes.
Brandon Roy in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse.
Nicolas Batum wears the adidas Pro Model, and is Steve Nash really trying to post him up?
images via Yahoo
Huarache Trainers, good lookin’ choice 8)
i agree nene defiantly a nice choice on the huarache tr, i may just ball in my pair and see how they hold up.
im really not feeling the barely tied hyperfuse that rondos rocking, hes going to roll an ankle dirty style
Didn’t even realize Nate was wearing III’s, I could’ve sworn he was still in the CB ’94s, crazy! Thanks for that.
Brooks’ face is too funny. Where’s Ray Allen’s 2010 Teams? Nate w/the 3s is crazy. Im mad at myself i didnt spot that last night, and how did the Celtics staff let Rondo run around like that?
Glad to have sneaker watch back right away on the first night. Can’t believe Courtney’s wearing the Huarache Trainer. Odd choice there. What about Sugar Ray? I never got a good look at his kicks. I did not like the Anta’s KG had. Look like weak ankle support and weak design.
Nate love those III’s. Had them on for every homegame (including preseason) so far. Be interesting to see if he rocks the green II’s from the Candy Pack. My guess is definitely.
Rondo might as well have worn low-top hyperfuses…
Lovin Kobe’s crew socks, a rare look in the league today. The white really made the 5 Rings color scheme pop. Also, I think Paul Pierce’s talent to shoe game ratio must be the widest in the league.. why is he such a scrub while being so established
Of course I have to say Kobe and Lebron have the best looking shoes out there. Lebrons VIIIs looked good with the new jersey he wears.