Nike Air Force 1 High "Rude Awakening" Release Date

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In the third quarter of Game 4 of the 2004 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Slava Medvedenko made a grave mistake. Following a foul, a whistle, and a light skirmish thereafter, Medvedenko, for whatever reason, thought it best to elbow the Pistons Rasheed Wallace in the chest. The blow, or course, was meant to assert himself against the physically imposing Wallace. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that’s not what happened at all.

That ill-advised elbow served as the game’s turning point. Wallace, who’s essentially always mad (on the court), got even madder. He was infuriated. This time, though, that didn’t result in one of his famous technical fouls. Inversely, Sheed went on a tear shooting 6 of 10 after that dispute. He finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds, leading his team to a 88-80 Game 4 victory against the visiting Lakers. The Pistons would go on to win the championship in five games.

Nike’s “Champions Think 16” Pack honors Wallace’s unforgettable performance in 2004 with its Air Force 1 High “Rude Awakening” edition. His famed on-court shoe comes in a white and blue palette that odes to the Pistons team hues. A worldly hoops phrase he often muttered, “Ball Don’t Lie,” is written across the top strap which also includes his No. 30. Sheed’s silhouette appears at the shoe’s heel in jump shot pose, joined by special edition Finals insoles.

Look for the Nike Air Force 1 High “Rude Awakening” on April 26 at select Nike retailers.