During a recent game that ended unfavorably for the Dallas Wings, guard Paige Bueckers made a remarkable statement by wearing a pair of Nike Book 1 sneakers inspired by Devin Booker’s 1995 All-Star shoes. This nod to Booker and the city of Phoenix, which hosted the 1995 NBA All-Star Game, brought attention to Bueckers’ footwear choice amid an otherwise difficult night.
Devin Booker famously debuted the same style during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Originally crafted as a player-exclusive model, the sneakers—known as the 95 All-Star—have since attracted widespread admiration for their striking throwback design celebrating that star-studded event decades ago.
Design Details Reflect Phoenix’s 1995 Eastern Conference All-Star Uniforms
Bueckers’ Nike Book 1s capture the lively colors and style of the Eastern Conference jerseys worn in the 1995 All-Star Game held in Phoenix. The sneakers feature a dominant purple suede, mesh, and patent leather upper, complemented by bright mandarin highlights on the lace tips, heel, and four stars on the side. Accents in wild berry and dusty cactus bring additional vibrancy, while black swooshes and laces add contrast. The shoe’s black midsole and orange rubber outsole complete the colorful tribute.
This footwear choice connects with Bueckers’ growing affinity for Nike, as she debuted a pair of custom Nike Kobe 9 PE UConn sneakers in her WNBA preseason debut. Those shoes reflected her college career with the University of Connecticut through blue and white colors, lightweight knit materials, and added ankle support. The Book 1s demonstrate her intent to carry meaningful history into her professional journey.
While Booker’s player-exclusive iteration included his jersey number “1” on the side, it remains unclear if this element will appear on retail versions. For Bueckers, however, the timing and location of this road game in Phoenix made the sneaker selection especially relevant, honoring where those iconic shoes first rose to prominence.
Bueckers Leaves Game Early After Head Injury Causes Concern
The game took a serious turn when Bueckers suffered a head injury following contact with Kalani Brown as she attempted a layup. Initially able to stand, Bueckers appeared to be in some discomfort as she rubbed the back of her ear before returning briefly to defense. However, she was soon withdrawn from the game and did not return to the court.
Bueckers posted 11 points across 24 minutes before the injury halted her contribution. The Dallas Wings fell to a 6-14 record after a 102-72 loss against the Phoenix Mercury.
Head coach Chris Koclanes provided an update during the postgame press conference:
Yu͏p. We talked to her͏ here, ͏she’s feeling okay.
—Chris Koclanes, Head Coach
Though Bueckers’ condition appears stable, her early exit and the resulting impact on the team cast a shadow over the night’s outcome as the Wings prepare to regroup from the decisive loss.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Devin Booker married to Kendall?
A. Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are rumored to have ended their relationship again, reportedly over a month ago. Us Weekly stated that a “source” shared, “They’ve had an on-and-off relationship for years and recently broke up.” The source explained that their busy schedules often lead to these breakups.