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The Best Dunk Contests in All-Star History: A Look Back

21 July 2025

Who doesn’t love a good dunk contest? It’s easily one of the most electrifying moments in the NBA All-Star Weekend. High-flying theatrics, jaw-dropping creativity, and those split-second moments that make us holler “Did he just do that?!”—that’s what the slam dunk contest is all about. Over the years, we've seen legends born, rivalries ignited, and plenty of dunks that left our jaws hanging.

So, let's take a fast-break down memory lane and relive the best dunk contests in All-Star history. We’re talking iconic moments, unforgettable performances, and the wild stuff that still makes highlight reels to this day. Buckle up—this one's going through the roof!
The Best Dunk Contests in All-Star History: A Look Back

What Makes a Slam Dunk Contest Truly Great?

Before we dive into the all-time greats, let’s establish what actually elevates a dunk contest from good to legendary. It's not just about leaping high or slamming hard—nope, it’s got to be more than that.

- Creativity: Was the dunk something we’ve never seen before? Did it leave us rewinding the clip over and over?
- Execution: Dirty truth—if you miss your dunk twice, that magic fades fast.
- Showmanship: Dunking is an art. Were there props? Was there a theme? Did they bring out the drama?
- Head-to-Head Drama: A great contest usually comes down to two (or more) players pushing greatness out of each other.

Alright, with that in mind, let’s jump into the best of the best.
The Best Dunk Contests in All-Star History: A Look Back

1. Vince Carter's Dunk Contest Takeover (2000)

Let’s just get this out of the way—Vince Carter didn’t just win the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest... he owned it.

Why It Was Epic

Back in Oakland in 2000, after a two-year hiatus of the contest, fans were curious but skeptical. That all changed the moment Vince took flight. His very first dunk? A reverse 360 windmill that looked like it was pulled straight out of a video game. The crowd went nuts. The judges couldn’t even hide their grins.

Then came the iconic “honey dip” where Carter jammed the ball and left his arm hanging elbow-deep in the rim. Mind blown. It wasn’t just the dunks—it was the swagger, the creativity, and the flawless execution. He made a strong field (including cousin Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis) look like warm-ups.

Legacy Impact

That night elevated Carter to superstardom. It also re-energized the dunk contest itself. If you were around, you know—it was the dunk contest moment everyone talked about for years.
The Best Dunk Contests in All-Star History: A Look Back

2. The Showdown: Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins (1988)

If 2000 was pure dominance, then 1988 was a straight-up dunk war. MJ vs. The Human Highlight Film. Chicago. Prime-time drama.

The Back-and-Forth Battle

This was storytelling in flight. Dominique came out like a man on a mission—powerful, aggressive, totally fearless. But this was Jordan's house (the contest was in Chicago), and he wasn’t about to lose.

With each round, the dunks got better. Then came Jordan’s legendary free-throw line dunk. Arms stretched, legs gliding, tongue out—pure poetry in motion. He edged Wilkins by two points, sparking years of debate: was it fair? Was it rigged? But forget all that—the dunks were unreal.

Cultural Impact

That contest didn't just entertain—it became an iconic part of MJ's legacy. His free-throw line dunk is still mimicked today. Jordan vs. Dominique is the dunk contest equivalent of Ali vs. Frazier: timeless battle, legendary performances.
The Best Dunk Contests in All-Star History: A Look Back

3. The Duel: Zach LaVine vs. Aaron Gordon (2016)

Now here’s one for the newer generation. If you think the dunk contest peaked in the '90s or early 2000s, think again.

Dunking Into the Future

Zach LaVine came in as the reigning champ. But Aaron Gordon? He showed up with something completely different—he turned the dunk contest into pure art. Remember when he leapt over the Magic mascot, grabbed the ball mid-spin, and pulled off a one-handed 360? Unreal.

LaVine wasn’t going down quietly, though. He responded with between-the-legs jams from damn near the free-throw line. Both guys kept trading top-tier dunks like heavyweights throwing haymakers.

Everyone Screamed Robbery

Gordon didn’t win. And yep, fans still debate that one. But what mattered most? Everyone watching knew they were witnessing something special. The creativity, athleticism, and execution were off the charts.

4. Spud Webb Shocks the World (1986)

Underdog stories always get us. And Spud Webb’s win in ’86? Legendary.

Not Your Average Dunker

At 5'7", Spud was the ultimate longshot. His own teammate, Dominique Wilkins, didn’t think he’d get past round one. But Spud lit up the contest with jaw-dropping hops and perfect execution.

He wasn’t just there for show—he came to compete, and he took home the crown.

Why We Still Talk About It

This wasn't just about athleticism—it was about heart and hustle. Spud proved that dunking isn’t all about height. It’s about timing, flair, and confidence. It’s still one of the most inspiring moments in dunk contest history.

5. Dwight Howard’s Superman Act (2008)

Big men don’t typically shine in dunk contests. But Dwight decided to change that narrative.

Cape, Check. Creativity, Check.

Howard threw on a Superman cape, took a running start from beyond the paint, and literally threw the ball down into the hoop. Not a dunk in the traditional sense, but the way he flew? It earned perfect 50s and deafening cheers.

He also pulled off a sticker dunk—yeah, he jumped, dunked the ball, and slapped a sticker of his own face higher than any part of the backboard had seen before.

Big Men Can Fly Too

Dwight helped open the door for bigs in future contests. He reminded everyone that creativity wasn’t just for guards and wings.

6. Jason Richardson’s Back-to-Back (2002–2003)

You can’t talk about the early 2000s without mentioning Jason Richardson’s back-to-back titles. This man was a walking highlight reel.

The Dunks That Bent Physics

Reverse 360s, off-the-glass windmills, and between-the-legs jams that made the crowd erupt. J-Rich brought both power and flair, and his 2003 reverse between-the-legs dunk sealed his place in dunk contest lore.

Why It Matters

Consistency counts. Jason Richardson didn’t just win—he dominated, and he made it look easy. His two-year run is still one of the best ever.

7. Blake Griffin Jumps Over a Car (2011)

Some people loved it. Others weren’t impressed. But you can’t deny—Blake Griffin’s 2011 moment was iconic.

Theatrical Showmanship

Blake jumped over a Kia with a choir singing “I Believe I Can Fly.” Was the car parked too close to the rim? Probably. But hey, you remember it, don’t you?

Why It Stuck

Drama, props, and a dunk that made headlines the next day—that’s the formula for a memorable dunk contest. Blake checked every box.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many great dunk contests, it’s hard to squeeze them all in. But these deserve a quick shoutout:

- Kenny “Sky” Walker (1989) – Smooth style, graceful finishes
- Dee Brown (1991) – The no-look dunk? Classic.
- Nate Robinson (2006, 2009, 2010) – Small guy, BIG hops

What’s the Future of the Dunk Contest?

Let’s be real—recent years have been hit or miss. Sometimes the dunks lack originality, or big stars skip out. But every so often, someone rises and brings the house down.

What the contest needs is a mix of fearless rookies and daring veterans, maybe even a cash prize big enough to tempt the league’s megastars. Because when a dunk contest hits right? There’s nothing in basketball quite like it.

Conclusion: Why We Still Love It

Even in an era of advanced analytics and three-point barrages, the dunk contest remains one of the most beloved traditions in basketball. It taps into the purest form of spectacle—gravity-defying athleticism, imagination, and flair.

From Vince Carter’s awe-inspiring takeover to LaVine and Gordon rewriting what’s humanly possible, these contests stick with us because they remind us how fun basketball can be when you just let it fly.

So next All-Star weekend, don’t sleep on the dunk contest. You never know when another all-time moment might be just one leap away.

all images in this post were generated using AI tools


Category:

All Star Games

Author:

Uziel Franco

Uziel Franco


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