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Much is made of Michael Jordan having to go through an array of dynasties. In the East it was Larry’s Celtics and Zeke’s Pistons and once he got to the Finals it was Magic’s Lakers. For LeBron James, foes in his conference were fierce and ironically the same franchises. While he would eventually battle with the retooled Celtics in years to follow, it was on this day in sneaker history ten years ago when King James lived up to his title by dethroning the Bad Boys II Detroit Pistons in what perhaps still stands as his most impressive postseason performance.
On the road in front of a rowdy Palace of Auburn Hills crowd, LeBron proved more clutch than Mr. Big Shot, more dynamic than Tayshaun Prince and more ferocious around the rim than Jason Maxiell. Dropping dimes, hitting jumpers and putting down the most aggressive of dunks, James poured in 48 points for a Double OT Game 5 win that included the final 25 points.
While most remember where they were when they were watching this game (I was at home in Okemos with my mom), few may remember what he wore. Lacing up the Nike Zoom Soldier 1, his team shoe would become his postseason shoe in what seemed a little anticlimactic at the time but makes total sense now.
Would you like to see his now historic Soldier re-release? Let us know in the comment section and relieve the memories in the video and photos below.
