John Kim Moments after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship in more than fifty years, Nike released a celebratory film that immediately struck a chord with New Yorkers. A young Knicks fan wearing a Jalen Brunson jersey sprints through the streets of Manhattan, weaving through traffic and pedestrians before arriving at a sea of celebrating fans gathered near Madison Square Garden. As Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” plays in the background, the city erupts in the type of joy that generations of Knicks fans had waited a lifetime to experience.
The protagonist of this ad isn’t a celebrity, influencer, or professional athlete. Instead, the brand chose to center a young Latino, a decision that reflects the communities that have long formed the backbone of Manhattan’s culture from the Lower East Side to Washington Heights. Basketball and Knicks fandom have always been deeply intertwined with New York’s communities throughout the boroughs, so rather than presenting an idealized version of the city, Nike opted for one that feels familiar to the people who were born and bred there.
For sneaker enthusiasts, the most meaningful detail was found on his feet; the fan was wearing the Nike Air Force 1 High from 2009’s East vs. West collection, the former designed by the late DJ Clark Kent. Released in 2009, the blue and orange colorway paid tribute to the “East Warriors” and carried an unmistakable Knicks-inspired aesthetic. Longtime sneaker fans who understand Clark’s influence immediately recognized the significance.
DJ Clark Kent was more than a legendary producer for NYC legends, he was one of the most influential figures in sneaker culture history and a proud New Yorker whose impact can still be felt throughout the city. By placing his Air Force 1 in a championship ad celebrating the Knicks, Nike found a subtle but powerful way to honor both the city and one of its most beloved sneaker icons.
