Today in Performance Sneaker History: Hakeem Olajuwon Helps Kick off Historic Rockets Streak in Vintage LA Gear Model

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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During the tail end of the 2012-13 season, the Miami Heat put together an unforgettable 27-game win streak which came remarkably close to the Los Angeles Lakers' '71-72 record of 33 straight wins. We know Miami's hungry for a third consecutive ring, it will be interesting to see if they'll be able to repeat their winning ways again this season.

NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets are no strangers to winning streaks, either. Twenty years ago, during the start of the 1993-94 NBA season, the Rockets kicked off their campaign with a 15-game win streak. It all started on November 5, 1993, as the Rockets hosted the New Jersey Nets in the season opener. The Rockets won 110-88, and center Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the key factors in the decisive win. First off, Olajuwon clocked more minutes than anyone else on the court that night with 42. While he was out there, "The Dream" was the most dominant figure on the hardwood, putting up 24 points, grabbing 19 total rebounds, and also tallying 6 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks. With Hakeem Olajuwon seemingly able to do it all, the Rockets were unstoppable for the first 15 games of the season, which tied a record that had been in place since 1948.

Hakeem Olajuwon's playing style was fairly straightforward: he was an intimidating, dominant presence in the paint that could get it done on both sides of the court. However, Hakeem's sneaker endorsements were as unorthodox as they come. The big man had stints with brands like Spalding, Etonic, and LA Gear, the last of which he wore during this historic run in 1993.

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