Spur of the Moment.
19 years ago, today, the Memorial Day Miracle at The Alamodome took place. Welcome to today’s Nice Kicks’ Throwback Thursday sneaker retrospective which pays tribute to one of the most iconic and memorable NBA game-winning shots ever made on Memorial Day: Sean Elliott’s shot against the TrailBlazers in Game 2 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals and the sneaker worn during that memorable moment: the 1999 Nike Air Vis Zoom Uptempo.
The Blazers led the game in its final seconds by 2 free throws by guard Damon Stoudamire aka Mighty Mouse. The Spurs called a timeout to advance the ball to midcourt. Mario Elie made the inbounds pass to Elliott. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. Elliott caught the ball just inside the sideline while fading back. Blazers guard Stacey “Plastic Man” Augmon nearly stole the inbounds pass. Luckily, the ball somehow made its way into Elliott’s hands.
Like Reggie Miller had done so many times before, Sean knew he needed a 3 ball for the lead. Yet, despite the brevity of the situation with the shot clock expiring, he had the presence of mind to remain on his toes as he shot the ball to avoid stepping out of bounds.
Rasheed Wallace lunged outwards towards Sean as he rose up in his beautiful shooting form, to try and block or at least alter the shot.
The catch.
The shot.
The release.
Nothing but net.
The Spurs – coached by Poppovich – would go on to win the game by one point and soon thereafter complete the series sweep en route to their first NBA Championship. Nearly 20 years later, this memorable Spur’s playoff moment stands the test of time and ranks as one of the all-time greatest NBA Playoff moments.
Elliott wore the 1999 Nike Air Vis Zoom Uptempo on court during this iconic moment, a versatile and popular sneaker worn by various NBA players that season including Allan Houston, Tim Duncan, and Alonzo Mourning, the latter whose custom PE pair featured a special Miami Heat colorway and his #33 stitched onto the side of each shoe.
Featuring visible thick heel and forefoot Zoom Air cushioning, and inner-sockliner, this popular model has yet to receive the retro treatment by Nike. As an aside: Elliott would require life-saving kidney transplant surgery shortly after the season, giving added and special meaning to the phrase, “Memorial Day Miracle,” a moment that will forever live on in the hearts of longtime Spurs fans during the infancy of the franchises’ dynasty.
A very special thank you to all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation. You are our true heroes.
Photo credit to Zack Schlemmer aka @onfootarchives, Alonzo PE pics via Vintage Sports Authentics, lead image via Bleacher Report
