Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns earned a much-needed victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
In doing so, they reclaimed some semblance of momentum and evened the best-of-seven series up at one win apiece.
Durant, who was a bit tentative for some people’s liking Game 1, rectified that in Game 2. When it was all said and done he finished with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists.
As the biggest star in this first-round playoff series, Durant also took the opportunity this week to drop his brand new shoe.
The Nike KD 16s were an instant hit.
.@KDTrey5 debuts the Nike KD 16.
📸: @NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/PVZGWkI1gt— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) April 16, 2023
NBA fans always have strong feelings about shoes, so understandably the reactions poured in quickly.
People promptly took to social media to react.
I know these look a lot like Penny 2’s, but this is still fire
— Jay Flo (@JayFlo_25) April 17, 2023
The sun’s colorway versions will be *chef’s kiss*
— kicks n’ shit. (@kicksnshitb) April 16, 2023
i like the black
— George West (@TheRealDjDirtyG) April 17, 2023
when they are not on feet they dont look amazing, but when you put them on they look fire. ( going off of the video of kd wearing them )
— JAXEN_young Bouncerboi26 (@Tendrol26) April 18, 2023
With the internet being what it is nowadays, some had criticism for the new kicks as well.
Man Nike design is really running out of ideas.
— ProudlyDifferent2022 (@PDifferent2022) April 18, 2023
These seriously look like the new school wave of orthopedic shoes for people with foot problems
— GOTSTOGOE (@gotstogoe) April 17, 2023
They are the coolest shoes from the 90s that are from 2023.
— NCC-1701-D (@JSWFox1) April 16, 2023
Big picture, shoes aside, this Suns vs. Clippers series has been electric. It is arguably the best one of the playoffs so far – and it will only get better from here.
The brewing beef between Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard is just icing on the cake.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/kyUi5pPHPD
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 19, 2023
Will Durant ultimately be able to lead the Suns into the second-round of the playoffs and beyond this year? Time will tell.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
