words // Brandon Richard
images // Nick DePaula
When the Oklahoma City Thunder pushed the Lakers to a thrilling 6-game series in last year's NBA playoffs, many viewed it as a solid starting point for a young franchise on the rise. However, the Thunder legitimately thought they had a shot to dethrone the Lakers and made some bold deadline deals during this season's trade deadline to make sure they were prepared to contend with the league's elite in this year's postseason. Shoring up their lack of depth in the paint, the Thunder acquired Nazr Mohammed and Kendrick Perkins in separate trades, addressing weaknesses with interior defense and rebounding.
With a re-tooled supporting cast, two-time scoring champion Kevin Durant is looking to make a playoff run that will officially establish his name alongside the league's best. After a hard fought series against the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder are locked in an unexpected second round war with the upstart Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout the playoffs, we've seen Durant rocking new colorways of his Zoom KD III signature shoe, collectively known as the "POP" or "Playoff Pack." Here's a closer look at the style he's been wearing for OKC's road games.
After the release of the "Redskins" KD III commemorating Durant's DC ties, many have likened this colorway to the Baltimore Orioles, the D.C. area MLB home team prior to the relocation of the team now known as the Washington Nationals. However, the looks is solely intended as an intense playoff alternate to the standard OKC colorways. The shoe is black leather-based with woven side panels. Flywire paneling at the forefoot features lenticular detailing. Team orange appears on Flywire notation, laces, Swoosh border and elements of the outsole. Cool Grey compliments the look on the tongue, midsole, Flywire panel and textile material on the upper portion of the heel. Lastly, white fills in the Swoosh, KD logo on the tongue and outsole.
This colorway of the Zoom KD III is currently available to purchase at retailers like Eastbay.
Click here for a more in-depth look at the design of the KD III from Leo Chang and the Nike Basketball team.
