With under a month until the NBA playoffs start, the races are becoming more intense while the heat on court continues to rise.

From unreleased samples worn by the reigning KOC champion PJ Tucker to Kevin Durant’s love for the state of Texas, this week was filled with surprises, grails and superheroes.

Take a look at the ten best shoes to hit the hardwood this week. Be sure to stay tuned with Nice Kicks for the remainder of the regular and the playoffs as we continue to document and celebrate the players and their shoes.

10. Nike Zoom Kobe 5 “Big Stage”

+ The “Big Stage” colorway cemented the Mamba’s legacy as he locked in his fifth championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010
+ The Nike Zoom Kobe 5 truly pushed the envelope of low-top sneakers after the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 broke barriers of sneaker performance and design with its Flywire, Lunar Foam and Zoom Air

9. Nike KD 7 EXT “Longhorn State”

+ Renown sneakerhead Harrell and the Los Angeles Clippers are making a late playoff run as they currently sit at the eight seed in the heavily contested West
+ The shoe has a luxurious upper that is a gem for the South and its culture as the shoe features pony hair, animal print and a gum outsole

8. Captain Marvel x adidas Pro Vision “ACE”

+ Mitchell debuted the all-new Pro Vision “ACE” that was announced by Los Angeles Sparks player Candace Parker just a few hours before
+ The shoe is inspired by Marvel’s newest heroine Captain Marvel which is in theaters now

7. Nike Kobe 8 “What The”

+ The Nike Kobe 8 “What The” debuted in 2013 and honored Kobe’s nickname with a reptile-esque upper
+ The “What The” theme is a staple in Nike design as it throws a variety of colors and patterns that create an unforgettable, mesmerizing impression that makes your jaw drop

6. Nike Kobe 4 Proto PE

+ DeMar DeRozan debuts yet another heater Nike Kobe 4 Protro PE
+ The face and feet of the Kobe line since The Black Mamba retired, read more about why DeRozan loves lacing up Kobes here

5. Nike KD IV Texas PE

+ PJ Tucker continues to show love to his alma mater with the KD IV Texas PE. It’s worth mentioning that KD himself is a member of the Longhorn legacy. Hook ‘Em!
+ The Nike KD IV is one of Durant’s most beloved shoes for its performance and well as the undeniable season and playoff run attributed to KD and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011-2012 season

4. Air Jordan 10 “OVO”

+ The Air Jordan 10 “OVO” and similar collabs with Drake’s brand became an extension of the relationship that basketball and hip-hop share
+ Although waters have been shaky with Drake and Jordan Brand, aspirations are still high for future collabs between both

3. Nike KD III “H-O-R-S-E”

+ The colorway was supposed to make its way to NBA All-Star festivities in 2011 after the league removed the H-O-R-S-E completion. To no one’s surprise, Tucker managed to get ahold of the sample of this unreleased shoe
+ If you have yet to keep up with Tucker’s insane collection from this season, you can admire each pair for yourself here

2. Jordan Why Not Zer0.2 “Animal” PE

+ Known as one of the biggest dogs in the league, the Brodie shows love to the whole kingdom with this “Animal” PE
+ Find out why our own Nick DePaula thinks the Why Not Zer0.2 is the best Team Jordan in years by clicking here

1. Nike Zoom LeBron 2 “Dunkman”

+ LeBron’s second signature shoe featured detailed laser-graphics on the upper and outsole traction with his lion logo near the ankle area and came with a fully removable velcro-based ankle strap newly design King James lion logo on the ankle
+ The King’s signature dunk logo was the focal point of this LeBron 2 as it became a must-have for sneakerheads everywhere