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Welp, the first-ever NBA Christmas game hosted by the Toronto Raptors pretty much kick-started our seasonal affective disorder. The visiting Boston Grinches Celtics made it snow on the shorthanded home team (Siakam, Powell, and Gasol were injured) with a whopping 14 three-pointers, coming away with a 118-102 victory. Bah humbug.
But hey! Don't let that spoil your holiday mirth. At the very least, the players rocked some dope Christmas-themed sneakers to distract from the lump-of-coal-sized score. And when there's festive footwear on the court, then all of us are winners. Right? Right.
We rounded up the coolest kicks—on both teams—from the game. And, because we are still feeling competitive (and petty), we ranked them.
5. Marcus Smart, Puma Clyde Hardwood Custom
Bitterness over the game aside, my heart goes out to Marcus Smart. Dude's been down and out with some mystery eye infection that's spread to both eyes and apparently feels like Mr. Fuji hit him with a handful of salt. The good news is he's feeling a bit better—at least better enough to be able to see these icy-fresh Puma Clyde Hardwoods, all wintered up by sneaker artist Sierato. Feel better, Marcus. Basketball (and my fantasy team) needs you.
4. Jayson Tatum, Air Jordan XXXIV “Wrapping Paper” PE
Boy, don't you just love Jayson Tatum? Hitting confoundingly rude dunks on the Raptors, busting out wild player exclusive sneakers on Christmas Day—is there anything this guy can't do? FML. Gotta admit these are actually pretty nice, though, with the holiday-themed camo pattern and all. Still, I'm knocking off points because his sock game is wack.
3. Fred VanVleet, AND1 Attack 2.0 Custom
Steady Freddy fought hard tonight, putting up 27 points and really earning that AND1 bag. He rocked the Attack 2.0, which, believe it or not, is a surprisingly sound basketball shoe boasting high-tech stuff like Harmonix RX cushioning. He got his version all Santa'd out, with snowflake prints and metallic red toeboxes that make it look like he shoved his feet right into a couple ornaments. Can't buy these bad boys at your local Walmart.
2. Enes Kanter, Nike Zoom Rize with "Freedom" Message
I can't even front—these are fire. Today marked Enes Kanter's first game outside of the U.S. since the Turkish government revoked his passport in 2017. Kanter has been an outspoken critic of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his treatment of residents, to which Erdogan has retaliated by making travel extremely difficult for the Celtic. He was finally able to leave the U.S. after the Canadian government helped him out, and he's since thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Globe and Mailarticle and feel-good tweet.
He capped it off by scrawling "Freedom" with a Sharpie on his Zoom Rizes. That's some heartwarming, It's a Wonderful Life-type shit.
1. Kyle Lowry, Adidas Pro Model 2G Custom
In the early aughts, the Adidas Pro Model 2G was a favourite among rising teenage ballers like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Now, it's a choice kick among NBA champions like Kyle Lowry. Set to be re-released this winter, the patent-leather 2Gs looked mighty healthy on KLow's feet.
Image via Getty
Of course, his were special—they had his sons' names, Karter and Kameron, printed over the stripes on the medial sides. Yes, the Raps were slapped absolutely silly today, but good on Big Kyle for remembering the stuff that truly matters. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
