EWING ATHLETICS HONORS JOHN STARKS' HISTORIC DUNK OVER GRANT AND MJ
Celebrating 26 Years Since “The Dunk” with Ewing’s 1993 Season Sneaker the Focus
It was Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals and Madison Square Garden was the epicenter of the sporting world. Other New York teams were playing that night but MSG was the place to be.
The Knicks were up by three points with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter. John Starks was being closely guarded by B.J. Armstrong but the Bulls point guard was unaware that center Bill Cartwright was nowhere to be found. Seeing the opening, Patrick Ewing – wearing the Ewing Focus – set the pick, allowing Starks to spin around Armstrong and leap straight over Horace Grant. Instantly, 20,000 people jumped out of their seats in a frenzy, cementing one of the most iconic plays ever witnessed at the Garden. It became known as “The Dunk” and was commemorated with a poster that sold out all over the boroughs.
“I just took off baseline and all I saw was Horace Grant,” said John Starks in 2014. “I knew I had to go in strong, Grant was 6’8” by 260lbs – and I just jumped as hard I could, dunked it with my left hand, and ran hustling back on defense.” It wasn’t until the next day that John Starks picked up the newspaper and noticed who else was in the iconic picture: Michael Jordan. “Gotcha,” said Starks.
Ewing Athletics enlisted die-hard New York Knicks fan Anthony Donahue to properly celebrate our homage to this historic moment. Captain of the Orange and Blue Crew, Anthony knows that it’s more than just being a fan; he’s been a podcast host for 15 years and just attended his 20th straight home opener at the Garden. “I’m honored to be a part of this,” said Donahue. “It’s like a dream come true.”
The Ewing Focus is one of the most advanced sneakers the brand has ever produced. This edition features bold “Starks” embroidery at the heels and something special beneath the translucent orange outsoles. EVA midsoles keep this 1993 classic comfortable for all day wear while neoprene inserts improve breathability.
Pricing: The Ewing Focus “The Dunk” releases on October 30 for $140 exclusively at EwingAthletics.com in sizes 5-16.
Photography by Noah Goldowitz