The Week's Greatest Moments in Performance Sneaker History

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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1.

Air Jordan IV

The weekend's finally here, which means it's your chance to kick back and check out the week's best moments in Performance Sneaker History. With focus on the NBA Playoffs, several historic moments happened throughout the week, including the birthday of one of the game's greatest point guards. These are The Greatest Moments in Performance Sneaker History from This Week.

RELATED: Today in Performance Sneaker History: Sleepy Floyd Sets NBA Playoff Scoring Record in Nike Big Nike
RELATED:
The Week’s Greatest Moments in Performance Sneaker History

2.

Air Jordan CP3.VI AE

Chris Paul Turns 27

Date: May 6, 1985
Sneakers Worn: N/A

The Los Angeles Clippers' playoff run may be over, but there will still be plenty of celebrating in Lob City tonight. Chris Paul was born on May 6, 1985 in Lewisville, North Carolina and turns 27 today. Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul has been selected for six NBA All-Star Games, taking home the All-Star MVP honors in February. CP3 also has two Olympic Gold Medals and has led the NBA in steals during five seasons.

Paul's also known for his line of Jordan Brand signature sneakers. Since 2008, the CP3 line has been tailored to Paul's quick, play-making style. The CP3.VI AE is the latest addition, featuring a Dynamic Fit system and Phylon midsole. If you're looking to channel Paul's all-encompassing game, pick up the CP3.VI AE today for $125.Michael Jordan in the Air Jordan IV

Michael Jordan Hits "The Shot"

Date: May 7, 1989
Sneakers Worn: Air Jordan IV

On May 7, 1989, the Chicago Bulls were pitted against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs First Round. After four games in the series, they met for a fifth and final game, which the Cavs were winning as the game came to a close. With seconds left, Chicago's Brad Sellers inbounded the ball to an open Michael Jordan, who drove to towards the hoop and put up a eighteen-foot jump shot over Craig Ehlo. The shot was good, the Bulls won, and the rest is history.

For "The Shot" and a majority of the '88-89 NBA season, Jordan wore the Black/Red/Cement Grey colorway of the Air Jordan IV. This classic Legacy model features visible Air cushioning, ventilation netting, and midfoot wings for a lockdown fit. In 2012, Jordan Brand re-released the iconic original colorways of the Air Jordan IV, as well as a Cavs themed colorway inspired by "The Shot".

Keep an eye out for brand new colorways of the Air Jordan IV releasing this fall.Michael Jordan in the Air Jordan 3

Michael Jordan Sets Series Scoring Record

Date: May 8, 1988
Sneakers Worn: Air Jordan III

Starting in 2003, the First Round of the NBA Playoffs switched from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven format. Due to the change in structure, Michael Jordan's performance in the 1988 First Round stands as a record that will never be broken. Squared against the Cleveland Cavs, His Airness scored a total of 226 throughout the five game series, which wrapped up on May 8, 1988. And that wasn't the only record set during the series: Jordan was also the first player to score 50+ points in back-to-back playoff games. The following year, Jordan would once again make history against the Cavs as he hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo.

During the '88 Playoffs, Jordan wore the "Fire Red" makeup of the Air Jordan 3. This groundbreaking model was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature visible Air cushioning and marked the debut of the iconic Jumpman logo. If you're looking to get your hands on the Retro "Fire Red" colorway, they'll be releasing on August 3. Check back with Sneaker Report for more details on the upcoming drop.Tim Hardaway in the Nike Air Bakin

Tim Hardaway Holds off Knicks

Date: May 9, 1997
Sneakers Worn: Nike Air Bakin'

The 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks was a best-of-7 war, loaded with incredible performances, fights, and everything else that make Heat-Knicks rivalry so great. On May 9, 1997, they met for Game 2, which the Heat were able to claim, squeaking by in a 88-84 win. Perhaps the biggest factor in Miami's win was point guard Tim Hardaway, who had 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Heat would go on to win the series 4-3, before losing 4-1 to a Michael Jordan-led Bulls in the following round.

During this series and much of 1997, Hardaway was laced in the Nike Air Bakin', which was seen as his unofficial signature shoe. Draped in unmistakable red-and-yellow, the Air Bakin' featured a visible Air Max unit in the heel and a breathable upper. Its retro releases have been popular with players and collectors alike, although you'll have to hunt on eBay to find a pair now.Sleepy Floyd in the Nike Big Nike

Sleepy Floyd Sets NBA Playoff Scoring Record

Date: May 10, 1987
Sneakers Worn: Nike Big Nike

Do you remember Sleepy Floyd? Born Eric Floyd, the retired NBA point guard played professionally from 1982 to 1995. He was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1987, and later that same year, in the playoffs, Sleepy put on a scoring performance unlike any since. On May 10, 1987, as his Golden State Warriors matched up against the Lakers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Sleepy finished by dropping 29 points in the fourth quarter. That number, along with his total of 39 points in the second half, stand as an NBA Playoff record for the highest amount of points scored in a single quarter and half.

During this record-setting game, Sleepy Floyd wore a pair of original Nike Big Nikes. The Big Nike was notable for its bold heel branding, which was also used around this time on the Nike Terminator. Nike Air cushioning and a Dunk-like outsole complete the old school package. Due to its age, the Big Nike model is considered a lifestyle shoe by Nike and isn't recommended four the courts. If you're looking to emulate Sleepy's offensive milestones in a retro style, Sneaker Report recommends one of these instead.