Memorable dunk contests from NBA All-Star Weekend

This yr’s contest will function Miami Warmth rookie ahead Jaime Jaquez Jr., Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, New York Knicks rookie ahead Jacob Toppin, and defending champion Mac McClung of the Osceola Magic, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic.

Although the dunk contest can include various levels of star energy from yr to yr, that does not erase the historical past of the competitors. Whether or not it is Dwight Howard dressing up as Superman for a hovering slam or Gerald Inexperienced blowing out a candle on a cupcake mid-dunk, there are moments from this contest that dwell within the minds of followers lengthy after a champion is topped.

Listed here are a number of the most memorable dunk contests:

2016, Toronto

Aaron Gordon kicked issues off with a reverse between-the-legs jam. Zach LaVine matched the power by tossing himself an alley-oop for a reverse behind-the-back slam.

The stakes elevated every spherical: Gordon launched Stuff the Magic Dragon — the Magic’s mascot — in a dunk that required him to leap over the mascot whereas performing a three-sixty Eastbay slam. LaVine adopted up with an alley-oop from Andre Miller from the free-throw line.

With assistance from Stuff the Magic Dragon once more, Gordon did one thing followers hadn’t seen earlier than in a dunk contest. Stuff spun in a circle on a hoverboard with the ball in his left hand like a statue. After timing his subsequent transfer, Gordon cuffed the ball whereas doing a tomahawk 360 earlier than slamming it via the ring.

LaVine and Gordon each earned good scores in three of the 4 championship rounds. The competition ended when Gordon acquired a 47 on a pretend tomahawk backward dunk, and LaVine scored a 50 on a between-the-legs dunk from the free throw line to seize the win.

2000, Oakland

For the reason that NBA did not have an All-Star Weekend in 1999 due to a lockout, the league went massive for its return.

What can be greater than Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady?

Each dunkers fired the build up with their first makes an attempt, every incomes 50s. McGrady’s consisted of a self-alley-oop with a reverse double-pump dunk. Carter matched his then-Toronto Raptors teammate with a 360 windmill.

“I really feel good, I’ve completed it about two or thrice in my life earlier than that,” Carter mentioned after the dunk. “I did not apply, that was a winger however it felt good.”

The well-known “it is over” quote got here from Carter’s third dunk of the competitors. Aided by McGrady, who bounced the ball off the bottom, Carter caught the ball in mid-air to place it between his legs. He additionally carried out a dunk the place he caught his elbow within the rim.

Carter received with 98 factors in comparison with Steve Francis’ 91 and McGrady’s 77.

1997, Cleveland

After getting into the league from Decrease Merion Excessive College, Kobe Bryant competed within the dunk contest at simply 18 years previous.

Bryant missed two dunks, which put a number of stress on the rookie. However a 49 from a between-the-legs dunk stored him within the competitors.

Bryant’s 49 etched his identify within the historical past books because the youngest participant to win a dunk contest.

1988, Chicago

Representing the house crew, the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan was up in opposition to a formidable lineup of dunkers that included Dominique Wilkins, also called the “Human Spotlight Reel,” Clyde Drexler, Spud Webb, Otis Smith and Greg Anderson. However all eyes have been centered on the duel between Wilkins and Jordan.

Wilkins and Jordan exchanged good scores within the remaining spherical. The judges gave Jordan a 47 on his two-handed “rock the cradle” dunk and Wilkins a forty five for his two-handed windmill.

Wilkins completed the competitors with 145 factors, with Jordan nonetheless having another dunk try. He wanted to attain a 49 to win the competition.

Imitating Julius Erving along with his well-known free throw line dunk, Jordan customized the play by sticking his tongue out and holding a pose whereas he floated within the air, incomes an ideal rating and the title of 1988 Slam Dunk Contest champion.

1986, Dallas

Standing at 5-foot-7, Webb needed to go in opposition to a lineup boasting a median top of 6-foot-7.

Within the remaining, Webb went head-to-head with Wilkins — his teammate and reigning Slam Dunk contest champion. Webb posted two good dunks to place stress on Wilkins. On his final try, the 6-foot-7 ahead threw down a two-handed windmill that solely acquired a 48, inflicting him to complete in second place.

“He placed on an amazing present. … He had some dunks I did not suppose he had and he went after it fairly laborious [and] he had some dunks off the rim that, hey, a number of guys that is 6-foot-7 would not be capable to dunk,” Wilkins mentioned.

1976, Denver

The 1976 dunk contest was the primary skilled dunk contest held by the ABA earlier than the NBA launched their first in 1977. Dunk contests then had strict guidelines. Every participant had 5 dunks they’d carry out, two of which have been necessary and three they might freestyle on.

For his standing dunk, Julius Erving took two basketballs and dunked them backward and instantly began measuring his steps from the free throw line.

Erving approached the foul line and took three strides earlier than taking off into the air and dunking the ball.

“Doc’s hair was flying again,” George Gervin mentioned, referring to Erving’s afro.