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.
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