words // Brandon Richard
Grace. Finesse. Quickness. Determination. Bieber. After unjustly being shut out in last weekend's Grammy Awards, pop singer Justin Bieber is finally bringing some hardware home - BBVA Celebrity Game MVP. Despite the fact that his team lost the game, Bieber overcame the odds in a performance that will go down in history alongside Michael Jordan's "Flu Game," Willis Reed's Game 7 and Kobe Bryant's 81 against Toronto.
The 16-year old displayed handles, which along with his signature flowing locks, drew instant comparisons to 2-time MVP Steve Nash. His low-to-the-ground dribble technique claimed the ankles of victims like Common and Nick Cannon. The crisp assists to NBA veteran A.C. Green were reminiscent of the Showtime Lakers and Bieber's Celebrity Game Coach Magic Johnson. Justin's three-point touch made me forget about Ray Allen's recent achievement in an instant. Bieber is a throwback to when fundamentals ruled the hardwood, and we were all privileged to watch his brilliance.
With a stat line that boggles the mind of Fantasy Basketball aficionados, Bieber recorded 8 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds in 25 minutes. All while engaged in a verbal back and forth with crafty Celebrity Basketball veteran Michael Rapaport, who had no answers for Biebs.
A distant second in the MVP race was Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, who managed to score a measly 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
Bieber's Celebrity Game performance came while wearing the newly re-released adidas Crazy 8 in the Sun/Regal Purple colorway. Formerly known as Kobe Bryant's signature shoe, the Crazy 8 will now be linked to Justin's nationally televised hoops debut for years to come. With adidas always looking for a little star power, is Bieber the next athlete to link up with the 3-Stripes? Dwight, Derrick and Bieber would be as talented as any trio we've seen represent a brand in the basketball category. Fast don't lie.
Check out a few visuals from Bieber's historic night in Los Angeles. You can pick up the adidas Crazy 8 at retailers like Eastbay and adidas.
