Are the Miami Heat on their way to the first three-peat since the Chicago Bulls in 1996-98? There's still a lengthy road ahead, but they're off to a strong start with a 99-88 win over the Charlotte Bobcats in Game 1. Surprisingly, Charlotte held their own against the Big Three throughout the first three quarters of play, but the Heat were able to ride the momentum of an 18-4 run to defeat the Bobcats for the 17th straight game. LeBron James led the way with 27 points and 9 boards, while D. Wade added 23 and 5 assists. They'll meet again on Wednesday at 7:00 Eastern.
Later in the night, the Portland Trailblazers picked up a grueling 122-120 OT road win against the Houston Rockets. Damian Lillard stepped up with some truly clutch play, finishing with 31 points and 9 rebounds and the Blazers squeaked by. Down low, LaMarcus Aldridge took care of business as usual with a massive 46 point, 18 rebound double-double. His 46 points set a Blazers franchise record, and there may very well have been another feat recorded as four players fouled out of the close contest.
Find out the best shoes from these match-ups, as well as Washington vs. Chicago and Dallas vs. San Antonio, after the break.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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Damian Lillard Defines "Clutch" in the Crazy Quick 2
Shoe: adidas Crazy Quick 2
Player: Damian Lillard
Game: Portland vs. Houston
Key Stat: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Dwyane Wade Goes Off in the Way of Wade Encore 2
Shoe: Li-Ning Way of Wade Encore 2
Player: Dwyane Wade
Game: Miami vs. Charlotte
Key Stat: 23 points, 5 assists
Coming soon
John Wall Rallies Wizards in the Crazy Quick 2
Shoe: adidas Crazy Quick 2
Player: John Wall
Game: Washington vs. Chicago
Key Stat: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Trevor Ariza Grinds it Out in the Zoom HyperRev
Shoe: Nike Zoom HyperRev
Player: Trevor Ariza
Game: Washington vs. Chicago
Key Stat: 18 points, 7 rebounds
$120
Tim Duncan Pushes Through Injury Scare to Lead Spurs to W
Shoe: adidas Crazy Quick
Player: Tim Duncan
Game: San Antonio vs. Dallas
Key Stat: 27 points, 7 rebounds
Nenê Powers Wizards to First Playoff Win in 6 Years
Shoe: Nike Hyperdunk 2013
Player: Nenê
Game: Washington vs. Chicago
Key Stat: 24 points, 8 rebounds
$90
LBJ Handles Bobcats in the LeBron 11 Elite
Shoe: Nike LeBron 11 Elite
Player: LeBron James
Game: Miami vs. Charlotte
Key Stat: 27 points, 9 rebounds
$275
Kemba Walker Struggles in the Anatomix Spawn PE
Shoe: UA Anatomix Spawn PE
Player: Kemba Walker
Game: Miami vs. Charlotte
Key Stat: 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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