No need to guess how Kevin Durant feels about the lockout.
words // Brandon Richard
With the NBA currently on hiatus, much attention has been turned toward charity, street and Pro-Am basketball this summer. Notable performances have included Kevin Durant’s 66 points at Rucker Park, Brandon Jennings’ 81 points in a charity game held in Long Beach and Kobe Bryant’s 45 points and game-winner playing for the Drew League earlier this month.
Speaking of the Drew League, the summer’s hottest ticket was for their “Capital Punishment” showdown with fellow Pro-Am powerhouse the Goodman League in Washington D.C. this past Saturday. Technically unemployed by the NBA at the moment, several of the league’s top stars turned out to play for Pro-Am leagues representing their respective coasts. For the D.C. based Goodman League, players like Kevin Durant, John Wall, Ty Lawson and DeMarcus Cousins suited up. James Harden, Brandon Jennings, DeMar DeRozan and JaVale McGee were some of the names playing for LA’s Drew League.
As has been the case all summer, the story was once again about Kevin Durant. Matched up with good friend and Oklahoma City Thunder teammate James Harden, KD lit up for 44 points. After the Goodman League relinquished a 16-point third quarter lead behind Harden’s hot hand for Drew, the game went down to the wire. Controversy ensued when a debatable charge called on Harden sent Durant to the free throw line with 21 seconds left to play. Durant iced the free throws and then blocked Harden’s potential game winner at the buzzer to give Goodman a 135-134 victory. Other notable performances included 34 points for Jennings, 28 for Wall and 29 for Harden.
With attendance exceeding the 1,500 capacity of the Trinity University gym and a highly contested game, there has been much talk about a September rematch taking place in Los Angeles. Rumors say if that rematch takes place, the Drew League would have a little extra help – a guy by the name of Kobe Bryant.
While we’re waiting to see if Goodman vs. Drew II does indeed go down, check out some of the basketball shoes worn during Saturday’s big game. Photos courtesy of jose3030.
John Wall warms up in a “Blackout” colorway of his upcoming Reebok Zig Encore.
Tipoff! Ty Lawson spotted in the background wearing the “Summit Lake” Nike LeBron 8 V2.
James Harden sets up the offense in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse Low.
JaVale McGee shoots a free throw in his PEAK Relentless PE.
Durant throws it down in the “Redskins” colorway of the Nike Zoom KD III.
Brandon Jennings takes a breather in his upcoming second signature shoe, the Under Armour Micro G Bloodline.
DeMar DeRozan and Gary Neal look on, wearing the Nike Zoom Kobe VI iD and Nike Air Max Fly By respectively.
DeMarcus Cousins finishes strong in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011.
The match-up of the night; Kevin Durant vs. James Harden. Bright future for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Love DeMarcus Cousins’ Hyperfuse 2011 Blue/Volts. They look too sick!!! Still planning on getting some Lows just haven’t found the right CW yet…
I have a funny feeling that if the rematch does indeed happen, Nike is going to make the most of it, especiallly while the L is on hiatus.
nice
I like the Zig socks, but isn’t it almost the same thing than Nike Elite socks?
Love how KD is showing hometown support for da Redskin’s.
cousins has got the weakest kicks in there!
Man, what you talking about? Those are sick kicks, bro.
KD Elites= Available at your local Champ’s Sports.
the dude in the background in demarcus cousins picture ahahaha
I agree JP-those 2011 Hyperfuses are hot. I copped the Rondos and they are mad comfy and light also.
cousins’ kicks look too cheesy. Prefer lawson’s v2’s then jennings’ bloodline.