CHAMPIONSHIP first-timers Toronto Raptors leaned on the combined defensive savvy of their veteran core and offensive firepower of their driven young talents to take Game 1 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the three-peat-seeking Golden State Warriors, 118-109.
Pascal Siakam, the season's likely Most Improved Player awardee, led the way for Drake's favorite team, with former Defensive Player of the Year winners Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol providing clutch two-way contributions in key moments during the game.
Game 2 will be on June 3 at the Scotiabank Arena.
As we wait for hostilities to resume, plenty of excitement happening behind the scenes are already generating serious buzz. Case in point: the latest and most important releases from different sneaker brands this season.
Not every pair is directly connected to the Dubs-Raps duel, but all of these new drops—from streetwear staples to baller essentials—are somewhat tied with everything that's currently going on in the league.
Cop or drop? That's the question you've got to figure out the answer to, stat, especially with this magnificent lineup up for grabs.
Nike Air Fear of God 1 ‘Frosted Spruce’
No Finals? No problem for LeBron James, who was spotted wearing this pair with a still-unreleased colorway from LA designer Jerry Lorenzo’s debut signature model with Nike during a Memorial Day Weekend BBQ with fellow NBA peers like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. The “Frosted Spruce” joins the “Orange Pulse” as seasonal silhouettes of this high-top sneaker/boot hybrid.
Drop deets: June 1 via SNKRS for $350
Moneyatti Pyre06
The 2019 NBA draft is still a few weeks away, but major shoe deals are already coming to some of this year's blue-chip recruits' way. A day before Ja Morant signed with Nike, Zion Williamson received his first official shoe contract offer worth a whopping $20 million from Master P and Romeo of MoneYatti. All he has to do is wear their sneaker line off the court, most likely this particular model from the Big Drip Collection.
Drop deets: TBA, $284
Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2 ‘Vanta’
The Three Stripes brand stealthily makes its way to the Finals festivities with this bulky black-on-black low-top. The colorway was leaked by Yeezy Mafia a week ago and was confirmed by adidas shortly. Dark grey suede overlays highlight the monochromatic mesh-based upper, while Boost cushioning ensures maximum comfort. Who do you think is the next basketball player (Nick Young, PJ Tucker) to lace up a Yeezy in an actual game?
Drop deets: May 31 for $300
Air Jordan ‘Reflections Of A Champion’ Collection
The championship pack, which consists of the Air Jordan 6, 7, and 8, fittingly got an unexpected release in time for the NBA title series between the Warriors and the team lead by a player many consider a Michael Jordan clone (Kawhi Leonard). The trio of sneakers from MJ's first three-peat features high-vis reflective material.
Drop deets: May 28 via SNKRS
New Balance OMN1S ‘2-Way’
When Leonard hit the game-winning, series-clinching four-bouncer over Joel Embiid to carry the Raps into their first Finals appearance, New Balance pounced on the legendary moment and dropped the pair he was wearing five days earlier than its supposed release date. The thought of the brand pulling off the same stunt midway through his championship run isn’t too farfetched.
Drop deets: $140
UA Curry 6 ‘Thank You Oakland’
The two-time MVP expresses his gratitude to the Warriors’ devoted fanbase in time for their fifth straight title series with this special Curry 6 silhouette. Just like how the words “OAKLAND” and “I Can Do All Things” scream across the clean black, yellow, and grey scheme, Steph beams with pride as he celebrates his 10th year in the city.
Drop deets: May 31 for $130
Nike Air Max 90 White/Red Orbit/Psychic Purple/Black
The Raptors are in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, and the Swoosh brand has the perfect pair to mark this milestone. Whether planned or not, this red and purple Air Max evokes memories of the best Toronto jersey from 1995-99. Imagine Drake wearing these while talking smack to Draymond Green.
Drop deets: $110
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