They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in basketball history, one perfectly timed pick can say just as much. When Pat Ewing planted his feet and created space between John Starks and BJ Armstrong during the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals, he helped set up one of the most unforgettable moments in New York basketball lore. That screen opened the lane, gave Starks the angle he needed, and created the foundation for a play still remembered by fans decades later.
The Ewing Focus “The Dunk” honors that defining sequence. Built as a tribute to John Starks and his iconic baseline finish, the sneaker celebrates the energy, grit, and fearless attitude that made the moment so powerful. After Ewing’s pick freed the explosive combo guard, Starks attacked the rim and finished with a left-handed dunk over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan. For New York hoops fans, it was more than a highlight. It was a statement.
“I took off baseline and all I saw was Horace Grant,” said Starks. “I knew I had to go in strong, Grant was 6’8” by 250 – and I just jumped as hard I could, dunked it with my left hand, and ran hustling back on defense.”
That quote captures the exact mindset behind the play: no hesitation, no overthinking, and no concern for who was waiting at the rim. Starks simply attacked. The Ewing Focus “The Dunk” channels that same confidence through a colorway rooted in New York basketball identity. Black, orange, and blue come together across the shoe, giving the model a look that immediately connects with the city, the team colors, and the era that inspired it.
This PE-styled version of the Ewing Focus includes Starks tagging on the heel, adding a personal touch to the tribute. The detail reinforces the purpose of the release: to celebrate a player, a moment, and a piece of playoff history that remains deeply tied to New York basketball culture. Rather than presenting the shoe as a simple retro colorway, the design leans into storytelling. Every element points back to the famous dunk and the intensity of the rivalry that surrounded it.
The Ewing Focus itself is a strong canvas for this kind of release. With its bold basketball shape and unmistakable 1990s presence, the model fits naturally with a story from the Eastern Conference Finals. The “The Dunk” edition uses that foundation to connect footwear, performance heritage, and a legendary highlight in a way that feels direct and authentic. For sneaker collectors, Knicks fans, and anyone who remembers the toughness of that playoff era, this release carries meaning beyond its color scheme.
What makes the Ewing Focus “The Dunk” stand out is the way it highlights the teamwork behind the moment. Starks delivered the finish, but Ewing’s screen created the opportunity. That combination of physicality, timing, and trust is part of what made the play so memorable. The sneaker recognizes both the highlight and the setup, reminding fans that one of the most famous dunks in New York basketball history started with a hard pick and ended with Starks sprinting back on defense.
Look for the Ewing Focus “The Dunk” to launch on October 30 online at Ewing. With its New York-inspired color palette, Starks heel detail, and direct connection to a landmark playoff play, the release is built for fans who appreciate basketball history as much as sneaker design.
Ewing Focus “The Dunk”
Release Date: October 30, 2019
Price: $140
Photography by Noah Goldowitz