The New York Knicks will have one of their most recognizable supporters making a statement when the NBA Finals shift to Madison Square Garden. Longtime Knicks fan Spike Lee is set to unveil a custom pair of Air Jordan 3 sneakers for Game 3, marking New York’s first NBA Finals home game since 1999.
The one-of-a-kind design leans heavily into the franchise’s signature colors, with one shoe featuring a blue leather base and the other dressed in orange, WWD reports.
Spike Lee's Air Jordan 3 for Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight pic.twitter.com/dmNjFO2uMi
— J23 iPhone App (@J23app) June 8, 2026
Jordan Brand Creates Special Knicks Tribute
Jordan Brand customized nearly every detail of the sneakers to celebrate both Lee and the Knicks. The mismatched pair includes alternating blue and orange accents across the tongue logos, heel tabs, and other design elements. Both shoes also feature orange elephant print overlays, while Lee’s iconic face logo appears near the heel.
Article Continues Below
The presentation extends beyond the footwear itself. The sneakers arrive in a custom box featuring elephant print graphics and Knicks branding. Special lace accessories also highlight the team colors, with “orange” and “blue” written in contrasting text.
The collaboration continues a long relationship between Spike Lee and Jordan Brand. Earlier this year, the filmmaker helped showcase several colorways tied to the Levi’s x Air Jordan 3 collection through public appearances, including at Knicks games. He also appeared in promotional material surrounding the release.
Lee’s influence on sports culture stretches beyond basketball. The director famously helped inspire a new era of team merchandise when he requested a red New York Yankees cap during the 1996 World Series. That idea opened the door for alternate color versions of team hats that later became commonplace across sports.
While sneaker collectors may hope for a future release, the Knicks-themed Air Jordan 3 appears destined to remain a player-exclusive creation.
The New York Knicks will have one of their most recognizable supporters making a statement when the NBA Finals shift to Madison Square Garden. Longtime Knicks fan Spike Lee is set to unveil a custom pair of Air Jordan 3 sneakers for Game 3, marking New York’s first NBA Finals home game since 1999.