August 23, 2026 - Sneaker Shop Talk

Natasha Cloud Calls Out WNBA Court Disruptions: ‘It Says a Lot About How You Feel About Women’

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

The WNBA has a message for fans who intentionally disrupt games: enough is enough. Chicago Sky veteran Natasha Cloud made that message even louder following another disturbing incident involving a sex toy being thrown onto the court during a WNBA game. During the Sky’s 73-70 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Aug. 21, multiple sex toys were thrown onto the court, briefly stopping play and creating another unwanted distraction during a league season already receiving unprecedented attention. Cloud did not hold back when discussing the incident afterward. “Y’all…

Kobe Bryant at 48: Mamba Forever — Why Basketball History Cannot Be Allowed to Forget His Greatness

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 HODARI Brown

By Hodari P.T. Brown Kobe Bryant would have turned 48 years old on August 23, 2026. That sentence still does not feel right. There should be another chapter being written right now. Another film. Another book. Another business venture. Another coaching session with young players. Another courtside appearance with his daughters. Another interview where Kobe challenged somebody to think differently about preparation, discipline, storytelling, fatherhood or greatness. Instead, we are left with memories. But memory is exactly why Kobe Bryant’s 48th birthday should be more than another day of highlights…

Clark, Mitchell Power Fever Past Sky 113-90

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

CHICAGO — With Aaliyah Boston sidelined with a leg injury, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell put on an offensive clinic Sunday night, combining for 67 points as the Indiana Fever cruised past the Chicago Sky, 113-90. Clark erupted for 37 points and 10 assists, knocking down a career-high eight 3-pointers as Indiana established a franchise record with 18 made shots from beyond the arc. Mitchell added 30 points, continuing her remarkable scoring streak while providing the Fever with another lethal perimeter option. Her performance helped Indiana overcome a demanding stretch…

Angel Reese Drops Career-High 31 Points as Atlanta Dream Clinch WNBA Playoff Berth

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

PHOENIX — Angel Reese delivered the biggest scoring performance of her WNBA career Saturday night, and it came at the perfect time. Reese poured in a career-high 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Atlanta Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury 99-89, officially punching their ticket to the 2026 WNBA Playoffs. The performance surpassed Reese’s previous career high of 27 points, which she recorded as a rookie with the Chicago Sky in 2024. She finished Saturday’s game 14-of-21 from the field, adding four steals. (Inquirer Sports⁠) Reese was especially dominant…

Jason Williams x SLAM x Nike Zoom Hyperflight “Platinum” Releasing Holiday 2026

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

Jason Williams’ signature style is making another statement this holiday season. Nike and SLAM are expanding their celebration of the iconic Zoom Hyperflight with a new “Platinum” colorway inspired by one of the silhouette’s most recognizable athletes. Williams recently debuted the pair during the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 8 in New York, giving fans an early look at what is shaping up to be one of Holiday 2026’s standout basketball-inspired releases. The collaboration features a Metallic Silver upper contrasted by black accents on the tongue, laces, and signature support wings.…

Making A Difference: Keith Lee and Tyrese Haliburton Step Up for Gary Community After 9 Days Without Power

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

Gary, Indiana — As residents in Gary continue to endure the aftermath of a devastating storm that left thousands without electricity, Keith Lee and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are stepping in to help provide much-needed relief. Residents across Northwest Indiana entered a ninth day without power Thursday, with many families dealing with spoiled food, extreme heat and difficulty accessing basic necessities. Power restoration in some parts of Gary is not expected until Tuesday, August 25. Lee, who recently brought attention to Gary’s prolonged outage, is planning an event in…

PE Corner: Diana Taurasi’s Nike LeBron 9 PE Is Coming to Retail for All-Star Weekend 2027

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

Nike is bringing one of Diana Taurasi’s rare Player Exclusive LeBron 9s to the public. After years of remaining exclusive to the Phoenix Mercury legend, the Diana Taurasi x Nike LeBron 9 PE “Black/Court Purple-Starfish” is expected to receive its first-ever retail release during NBA All-Star Weekend 2027 in Phoenix. (Sneaker Files⁠) The sneaker is reportedly scheduled to release on February 19, 2027, with a $250 retail price. The shoe carries the style code JF7374-001. (Sneaker Files⁠) Originally created exclusively for Taurasi during her legendary run with the Phoenix Mercury,…

Tyrone Mitchell Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Xavier University of Louisiana

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Xavier University of Louisiana has officially elevated Tyrone Mitchell to head coach of the Gold Rush men’s basketball program, rewarding a longtime member of the program who has helped build Xavier into one of the NAIA’s most consistent basketball programs. Mitchell enters the 2026-27 season as XULA’s head coach after 11 seasons on the program’s coaching staff. He joined Xavier in 2015 and steadily climbed the coaching ranks, earning promotions to associate head coach in 2018 and co-head coach in 2025 before being named the program’s…

FIRST LOOK: “Crenshaw”Nike Kobe III Low Protro

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

Nike Basketball has officially released the Kobe 3 Low Protro “Crenshaw,” with the latest Kobe Bryant-inspired colorway making its debut exclusively at The Crenshaw Rec by Foot Locker. The low-top silhouette arrives in a bold color scheme that transitions from yellow to blue , with glossy Kobe and Nike branding perched atop the tongue and wrapping the heel, respectively. The midsole and translucent rubber outsole follows the frame color blocking, completing an aesthetic that pays homage to the Crenshaw community, adding another meaningful chapter to Nike’s ongoing Kobe Bryant footwear…

New York Liberty Survive Fever Rally 109-102 Behind Clutch Finish and Leonie Fiebich’s Return

August 23, 2026 Brandon King

The New York Liberty survived a furious Indiana Fever rally Saturday night, defeating the Fever 109-102 at Barclays Center in a game that came down to the final two minutes. Breanna Stewart scored 22 points, while Leonie Fiebich made an immediate impact in her return from a lengthy absence, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists as New York improved to 23-15 on the season. Jonquel Jones added 19 points and 10 rebounds. (CBS Sports⁠) For the Liberty, it was an important response after Indiana had won the…