Nike Basketball News

The Collection: LeBron 8 China Exclusive Colorway

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:54:44 GMT

Start with classic white. Add a new, brighter red. Dig in to the story behind the guardian lions of Chinese culture.

Take the signature LeBron lion head and turn it to stone. Echo throughout the shoe.

End with the China exclusive LeBron 8.

The Collection: LeBron 8 "South Beach" colorway

tonyhellberg1 — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:05:30 GMT

The process of change:

the body of a power forward morphed with the skill set of a point guard - one capable of shrinking the court into his personal playground one explosive, breakneck fast break at a time.

Like an 80s crime drama unfolding on the United States’ Gold Cost, an infusion of New Wave culture whose music, colors and cinematography would change the genre forever.

What begins with a beautifully-crafted, buttery leather shell shifts gears to provide extra comfort and support where it’s really needed. The 360 Air Max cushioning protects LeBron as he comes down hard on the competition - while meticulously personalized symbols capture the lion-on-the-hunt mentality of his championship cross examination.

The LeBron 8 Miami Edition hits the mean streets of Miami on October 16, 2010.

The Collection: Zoom Soldier III

Hotnix — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:40:15 GMT

LeBron is many things to many people: leader, teammate, a record breaker, MVP, a hero, living legend, unstoppable. But come playoff time, he gears up for battle and becomes the soldier. This year the Zoom Soldier III is his weapon of choice.

LeBron’s game has changed since his first playoff run. He’s faster, more powerful, more explosive and far more versatile than ever before. At only 12.5 ounces, the new ultra-lightweight Soldier III is also different, keeping him lighter on his feet and faster for his race for the crown.

Download this 1280x800 wallpaper »
Download this 1920x1200 wallpaper »

The new synthetic leather upper features breathable ballistic mesh panels and tongue for lightweight durability and ventilation. The Triple stitching on the upper makes the shoe stronger when he goes strong to the basket. The two midfoot straps give him a lock-down and secure fit for his explosive first step. Two Zoom Air bags, in the heel and forefoot, protect him from the big impacts. To keep him steady, the outsole tread was inspired by the milk crate he used as a hoop when he was a kid in Akron.  
Available at Nikestore.com and House of Hoops locations now.

House of Hoops by Foot Locker 
New York 
268 West 125th Street 
NY, NY 10027 
(212) 316-1667  

House of Hoops by Foot Locker 
Los Angleles 
Beverly Center Mall - 6th Floor 
8500 Beverly Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90048 
(310) 854-0071   

House of Hoops by Foot Locker 
Chicago 
North Riverside Park Mall 
7501 W Cermak Rd 
Riverside, IL 60546 
(708) 447-2060

The Family: David West

Hotnix — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:17:06 GMT

New Orleans is locked in a playoff race as exciting as Bourbon Street itself. Leading the charge for the city’s hoopsters is David West.

There is a rumble in the Western Conference, with several teams battling for that higher seed and the home playoff games that come with it. The beefy forward is tearing it up even more than usual, playing head and shoulders above even his lofty standards.

Last Sunday night Utah came to town, and got the win. But D-West did all he could to avert the outcome, pouring in 23 points, and hauling down 19 rebounds. He put up 20 Tuesday night in their victory over Miami and dropped a hot 28 points Wednesday in their tough loss against Phoenix.

His stat lines are, in a word, jawdropping. 31 points and 14 boards against Golden State was astounding, but it wasn’t even West’s best of the week. In Sacramento, West wowed Governor Terminator and the rest of California’s capital. Check this—an even forty points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Sniffing distance of a triple double, with forty points! Over his last five games, West is averaging a stellar 26.8 PPG with 10.4 rebounds per outing.

It will take some effort, but West is doing all he can to bring the home court advantage to New Orleans when the playoffs begin.

The Battle is On: Finals Preview

Hotnix — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:03:17 GMT

Four of the nation’s top college ball clubs arrived in Detroit and were greeted by a sea of green jerseys and body paint. The local boys from Michigan State road the wave of support past the #1 seed UConn. Can they do it again when they face UNC in the finals?

Very few people expected it, but Michigan State fans everywhere willed it. The boys from East Lansing came out strong early in the first half, using their speed and deadly accurate shooting to get out to a quick lead. But UConn’s towering Tanzanian center turned it on, plugging up the middle while his team’s strength closed the gap. But as the game progressed, the two teams traded some tough shots, hard fouls and an elusive lead.

Down the stretch it was State's young guns that just seemed to want it more, their do-or-die passion literally taking UConn’s big man out of the game. With their hot shot guard racking up a total of 21 points, he led them to an 82-73 victory.

Later that night the University of North Carolina took the floor with an obvious swagger that said they weren't leaving Detroit without the trophy. After a tough loss to Kansas last year, this trip to the semis was a road to redemption. Despite their big man (affectionately known as Psycho T) getting battered and bloodied they jumped ahead and never looked back, leading by as much as 18 points. And even with a still-heeling big toe, the fast feet of UNC’s floor general continued to slash apart Villanova’s D. In the end, four of UNC’s starters scored in double digits and they closed the game out with a 83-69 win.

Monday is usually everyone’s least favorite day of the week. But after yesterday’s semifinals action, Monday is turning out to be the most exciting day of the year. Will the home court advantage continue to be the difference for Michigan State or will the veteran poise and strength of UNC prevail. Tune in Monday night for the dramatic championship conclusion.

The Family: OKC's Finest

Hotnix — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:30:56 GMT

OKC isn’t going to the playoffs this season, but with an exciting young corps of talent, led by Durant and Westbrook, they will be a threat in years to come.

Kevin Durant has been practically unstoppable for most of the season, but 31 points in an upset win over one of the best in the west deserves some extra mention. The sophomore gunslinger connected on a variety of slashing moves and spot up jumpers against one of the league’s best defensive teams. Big D hit on 12 of 19 shots in the win, which put a big dent into the Alamo City’s hopes for a division title.

Pretty good week for KD—averaging 24.8 PPG over his last five games, counting the 31 in Texas. But that actually is a full point below his season average of 25.8, an indicator of how superb Durant has been.

Lots of those points came courtesy of OKC point guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook doubled his average for the season when it comes to assists on Tuesday night in San Antonio, putting up ten to go along with sixteen points. Not a bad night, especially one turned in against one of the league’s elite PGs. Durant and Westbrook combined to pull a 96-95 upset, in no small measure thanks to the rookie’s cool and proliferation of dimes.

Two nights earlier, Westbrook & Co. fell short of another big upset in Beantown, but the rook did his all to make it happen, filling it up for 23 points in a losing effort. In total, Russell is averaging 15.7 points and 5.1 assists per game in his initial season, not bad numbers for a newcomer at any position, much less the most demanding one on the floor.

Here’s a fact that should send shudders through the league—both Durant and Westbrook are just 20 years old. Imagine what they can do when they grow up…

The Battle is On: Semi-finals Preview

Hotnix — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:31:30 GMT

It started with 65 teams. Now four of the nation’s best college squads are left. We would like to congratulate the Nike Family of teams that are going to the national semi-finals:

University of Connecticut

University of North Carolina

Michigan State

Villanova

Throughout this tournament there have already been close finishes, huge heartbreaks, great comebacks, and big blowouts, but nothing can prepare you for the battle ahead.

It’s no surprise that the top seeds North Carolina and UConn have advanced. After their explosive first round victories, each team walked through their next three opponents with ease. But now they face their toughest competition yet: Connecticut vs. the #2 Michigan State and UNC vs. #3 Villanova.

Michigan State is fresh off their 12 point victory over their Midwest division rival and is heading to the semis to take down the #1s. And Villanova edged out their quarterfinal competition with .5 seconds left on the clock to win their spot in this final weekend of the tournament.

There are four teams and two days remaining. Millions of fans will watch as only one team will be left standing.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:42:42 GMT

Heading into the final stretch it’s clear who the top teams are. But one of the toughest battles will be fought for that 8th and final position in the West. Sunday Dallas and Phoenix make their last drive for the post season.

Phoenix is a team in search of an identity. Formerly known the fastest team in the league, the Suns have slowed their pace this season as they’ve struggled to reshape their offense around their new big man. And even though the future hall-of-fame center has had some big nights, the team has yet to settle into a groove and return to dominance in the West. Led by their fleet-footed floor general Steve Nash, they have 40 wins and 34 losses and sit just 3 ½ games out of that final seat in the Western conference playoffs.

A short time ago the Dallas Mavericks seemed unstoppable. In 2006 they brought home the conference title and in ’07 they locked up the Division title. But as the Lakers have taken over the crown in the West, the Mavs have struggled this year to regain their footing. With the return of their legendary point guard came a hope that the team would quickly improve, but as they continue to work out the kinks they’ve landed a record of 43 wins and 30 losses. Dirk Nowitzki, the 2007 league MVP, has been the team’s rock for years and their playoff run rests squarely on his shoulders.

These two Western powerhouses go head-to-head Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, March 30

Orlando vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, April 1

Detroit vs. Cleveland @ 7:00pm ET

Thursday, April 2

Utah vs. Denver @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, April 3

Denver vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, April 5

Phoenix vs. Dallas @ 3:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:01:44 GMT

The action in the East is heating up as three teams battle for that top spot. Cleveland sits in the hot seat but the #2 Boston Celtics and the #3 Orlando Magic meet this Thursday to overthrow The King.

The West has long been known as the far tougher conference, but recently major trades, blossoming young stars and great coaching has turned the tide in the East, bubbling up teams that are real contenders for the crown. While LeBron James has long kept Cleveland in a threatening position, Boston and Orlando are just a few games away from the Eastern crown.

After one of the most dynamic trades in recent NBA history, Boston created an entirely new program and proved that they are world class. And while their big man is their emotional center, Paul Pierce remains the go-to guy to clench victories. The ultimate role player, he understands when his team needs him to put up 30+ points in a night or when they need him to hit the boards or find opportunities for his teammates. This season he continues to prove that he will do whatever it takes to defend the crown.

Orlando has long been a mainstay in the East but has struggled in recent years to become conference champions. Their most well known weapon is their young superhero center phenom who, averaging 20.9 points and 13.9 rebounds, controls the paint on defense and offense. But as the young team continues to grow, their veteran forward Rashard Lewis is leading them to the Promised Land. After coming to the Magic in the 07-08 season, he’s averaged a strong 18 points and nearly 5.8 rebounds a game, leading the squad to what could be his second straight playoff run.

These two Eastern powerhouses clash Wednesday night at 8:00pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, March 23

Orlando vs. New York @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, March 25

Boston vs. Orlando @ 8:00pm ET

Thursday, March 26

L.A. Lakers vs. Detroit @ 7:30pm ET

Friday, March 27

Denver vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, March 29

Dallas vs. Cleveland @ 1:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:05:29 GMT

The Lakers are seven games ahead of their closest competition in the conference, but as unstoppable as they may seem, recent losses to Phoenix, Denver and Portland show they still have some work to do before they face the Spurs Thursday.

L.A. has had a phenomenal season. Coming off a devastating Finals loss to Boston last season, the reigning MVP Kobe Bryant and February's Player of the Month Pau Gasol are leading their team to 50W-13L, the best record in the league. Recently they've suffered some unexpected losses to teams that aren't as seasoned or deep, casting a shadow over their seemingly guaranteed spot in the Finals. With Kobe's 28 point average, Gasol's 18.4 points a game and the best bench in the game, they're fighting to keep fewer losses than Boston and stay miles ahead of the competition.

Since 1999, The Spurs have been a constant figure at the top of their division, winning six titles and 4 league championships in 10 years. As their veteran center continues to dominate on offense and defense while Tony Parker averages 21 points and 6.7 rebounds, they remain a threat to the Lakers success. But after a rocky start to the season due to injuries, and with the league's reigning Sixth Man of the Year Manu Ginobili out, can the 42-20 Spurs close the gap on L.A.?

How much longer can L.A. keep the San Antonio at bay? Thursday night, the two teams collide for the Western conference.

It gets wild in the west starting Thursday at 8:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, March 10

Memphis vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Wednesday, March 11

Houston vs. Utah vs. 9:00pm ET

Thursday, March 12

L.A. Lakers vs. San Antonio @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, March 13

Cleveland vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, March 14

Detroit vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Sunday, March 15

Orlando vs. Boston @ 1:00pm ET

The Family: Westbrook's Triple-double

Hotnix — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:33:29 GMT

With all eyes on the #1, #2 and #3 2008-09 draft picks, a player like Russell Westbrook didn't get the attention he deserved as the #4 overall pick. But after last night's triple-double performance he's definitely at the top of the Rookie of the Year list.

There's a lot to be said about Westbrook who, like Canada's Steve Nash, has floated under the radar since high school. As a senior he lit up the L.A. area competition by averaging 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.3 assists. In four years he logged 57 three-pointers, 14 double-doubles, a career-high 51 points in a single game and scored 30 or more points eight different times. But like Nash, he still didn't attract a lot of attention from college recruiters. Not until L.A.'s blue and gold made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

In his two years of college he led his team to the national semi-finals twice. For his all-around game he was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, earned Third Team All-conference honors and was named to the conference All-Defensive Team. And then he joined O.J. Mayo and a class of well known one-and-dones to make the leap.

History proves that not all dominant college players are successful when they go pro. But with only half a season under his belt, Westbrook is following in the footsteps of his teammate, mentor and last year's ROY Kevin Durant. After averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game in the first half of the season he was invited to play against KD in the Rookie/Sophomore game during the 2009 midseason classic in Phoenix. Sadly, he and the rookies lost as KD put up an enormous 46 points.

Last night his leadership skills were put to the test as the young Oklahoma City Thunder faced the veteran Dallas Mavericks without the injured Durant. Westbrook showed off his ability to penetrate and create easy baskets for his teammates with 10 assists. He went head-to-head with the big men to grab 10 rebounds. And in the end, he rounded out the triple-double with 17 points, including a beautiful alley oop jam in the second quarter.

With the recent resurgence of power point guards in the league, he's being mentioned in the company of Nash, Deron Williams and Brandon Roy, players that see the entire game, break down defenses and can get the ball to any one of their teammates at will. And as the OKC Thunder look to get their footing and establish themselves in the Western conference it'll be Westbrook's work as floor general that will take them to the top.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:38:39 GMT

The league's biggest superstars are defined by how they handle pressure in the clutch. After a couple of nail biters and bruising battles the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat meet Monday night for what could be another dramatic showdown.

Sunday afternoon Cleveland faced one of their toughest challenges of the season in Atlanta. After a high-flying, sharp shooting tug-of-war, the Cavs ended the half up by double digits. But in the third Atlanta came back energized, making a huge comeback to tie it up with a minute left. Then LeBron James turned it on, nailing two clutch free throws and clinching the one point win.

Saturday proved to be a huge night for Miami's top gun as he led his team against the new-look Knicks. With the lead exchanging hands throughout the game, tempers flared, elbows flew and technical fouls were handed out. Nate Robinson put up 24 points in the first half to keep the game close. Coming back from a couple New York style head shots the Heat's go-to guard got revenge by ending the game with 46 points as the Heat pulled out a last minute victory.

Based on these two weekend games, it's clear the battle is on as teams head toward the playoffs. Expect the stars to shine tonight as the #1 eastern conference squad head to Miami to go head-to-head with the red hot Heat.

Tune in tonight at 7:30pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, March 2

Cleveland vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Tuesday, March 3

Memphis vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Thursday, March 5

Portland vs. Denver @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, March 6

Cleveland vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, March 7

Detroit vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

The Family: Krypto-Nate rocks

Hotnix — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:30:26 GMT

The Garden has always been the home for great basketball and this year is no exception. Kobe recently went big to the chants of MVP. LeBron has been known to light up the arena. But last night it was Nate Robinson who put on a show that ignited the crowd and tied a franchise record for most points scored by a Knicks player at home.

Since the team got a much needed new head coach and put behind the drama that has plagued them for the past few years, the Knicks have become a brand new squad. And it's their 5' 9" reserve point guard that is leading their renaissance.

Fresh off his spectacular, high-flying show in Phoenix, Krypto-Nate is continuing to prove why he's the face of the franchise. Coming off a tough loss to the Raptors he and his squad faced the Pacers, who were a threat even without their leading scorer Danny Granger.

A tight game throughout, The Pacers went into halftime up by one and Nate had a total of nine points. After what must have been the most inspirational halftime pep talk of all time, he returned in the second half to put up and astonishing 32 points on 11 of 18 shooting from the field. When all was said and done, Robinson lit up the Garden for 41 points, four 3-pointers, three assists, two steals and a 123-119 victory.

With the second half of the season underway, the Knicks and Nate Robinson are looking, for the first time in a long time, like a team headed for the season.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:18:35 GMT

Although this year’s midseason classic is over, the stars are still shining bright heading into the second half of the season. Tuesday night promises some show stopping post-all-star action as the league’s youngest big guns face off against the game’s most unstoppable veterans.

O.J. Mayo's path to the league has paralleled that of his mentor, NBA superstar LeBron James. By the end of his senior year he was named Mr. Basketball of Ohio two straight times, Player of the Year twice and led his team to their third straight high school championship. Now, backed by high-flying forward Rudy Gay, the student will face the teacher at the pro level in a run and gun test of skills.

Later that night, the West lights up as the young star of this year’s all-star weekend Kevin Durant challenges the reigning league and All-star MVP Kobe Bryant in an all out offensive battle. After scoring 46 points in the Rookie Sophomore Challenge, breaking the record for most points ever scored during a midseason classic, he’ll have to bring his A-game and promising young rookie Russell Westbrook to come out on top.

This double-header starts Tuesday at 7:00pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, February 23

Atlanta vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Tuesday, February 24

Memphis vs. Cleveland @ 7:00pm ET
L.A. Lakers vs. Oklahoma City @ 8:00pm ET

Wednesday, February 25

Orlando vs. New York @ 7:30pm ET

Friday, February 27

Cleveland vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Sunday, March 1

San Antonio vs. Portland @ 8:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:28:01 GMT

This Sunday, the top four teams in the East and the West face off in this season's biggest double-header. Featuring the league's hottest All-stars, all 4 of these teams have the talent, the experience and the desire to play in this season's Finals.

On January 19th, the league's two biggest stars faced off in an epic battle. The reigning MVP Kobe Bryant led Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers to a 17 point victory over LeBron James and his Cavs. With the best record in the West, they're steam rolling their way back to the championship series.

But standing in their way is a rematch with Cleveland, a team with arguably the best player in the league, lots of young talent and a hunger to win. After a historic start to the season, LeBron must use all his super-human power, explosiveness and selflessness to lead his team to victory over one of the deepest benches in the NBA.

After a rough, injury-ridden start to the season, including Tony Parker's sprained ankle, San Antonio has climbed into the number 2 spot in the West. A constant threat for the division title, they're facing Boston, the top team in the East and a favorite for the championship trophy.

Boston started the season the same way they ended the last, but Paul Pierce and the reigning champion Celtics hit a rough patch in late December and early January. After losing 7 of 9 games they quickly recovered and have gone undefeated for 11 straight games. Riding the winning momentum, their big 3 is fighting to protect the crown they've battled so long to earn.

This epic double-header starts Sunday 1:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, January 2

Portland vs. New Orleans @ 8:00PM ET

Tuesday, February 3

San Antonio vs. Denver @ 9:00PM ET

Wednesday, February 4

Miami vs. Detroit @ 7:30PM ET

Thursday, February 5

L.A. Lakers vs. Boston @ 8:00PM ET

Sunday, January 8

San Antonio vs. Boston @ 1:00PM ET

L.A. Lakers vs. Cleveland @ 3:30PM ET