NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Everything You Should Know

Last Modified Feb 20, 2024 16:22 GMT
NBA Slam Dunk Contest

The NBA All-Star Weekend is a yearly tradition that's been going on since 1951. It has captivated basketball enthusiasts globally, cultivating new NBA fans over the years. While the NBA All-Star Game between the Eastern and Western Conference stars remains the highlight, the weekend has evolved to include many events to enhance the overall experience.

One such different event is the NBA All-Star Dunk Contest. Introduced in 1984, the “All-Star Dunk Contest” has now firmly established itself in the NBA All-Star Weekend lineup. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest features players who are renowned for their aerial prowess, competing to deliver the most jaw-dropping and imaginative dunks. Over the years, this electrifying Dunk contest has become immensely popular amongst NBA fans.

Since its formation, the rules of the Slam Dunk Contest have evolved to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Participants are judged based on the creativity, athleticism, and execution of their dunks. The panel of judges typically consists of former NBA stars, basketball legends, and occasionally celebrity guests, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The Slam Dunk Contest has witnessed various formats since 1984, with competitors displaying some epic feats of athleticism that often become iconic moments in basketball history.

Notable Dunk Contest moments include Michael Jordan's free-throw line dunk, Vince Carter's electrifying performance in 2000, and Aaron Gordon vs Zach LaVine’s memorable battles in recent years. These moments contribute to the Dunk Contest's legacy, making it a highly anticipated and cherished segment of the NBA All-Star Weekend.

2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

The 2024 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest, presented by AT&T, was played on Saturday, February 17 at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.

2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest
2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest Participants

The 2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest included reigning slam dunk champion Mac McClung, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Jaime Jaquez Jr. representing the Miami Heat, and Jacob Toppin from the New York Knicks.

Mac McClung, who was playing in the G-League with the Osceola Magic, returned to defend his title after injecting last year's contest with fresh creativity and flawless execution. Jaylen Brown's inclusion added much-needed star power to the event. It was the first time in seven years that an All-Star had joined the dunk contest which sparked excitement among fans.

2024 NBA All-Star - State Farm All-Star Saturday Night
2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion - Mac McClung

The 2024 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest was again highlighted by Mac McClung as he pulled off an impressive reverse dunk over NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal to win the contest for the second year in a row. Many started calling that dunk - "Mac-a-Shaq".

The runner-up was Jaylen Brown, who paid tribute to Terrance Clarke by wearing his high school jersey. Clarke, a talented 19-year-old from Boston, tragically died in a car accident three months before the 2021 draft. Despite his passing, Clarke was still drafted by the league in the first round.

Unfortunately, Jaime Jaquez of the Heat and Jacob Toppin of the Westchester Knicks G-League team were eliminated in the first round.

McClung's victory made him the first player since Zach LaVine in 2015-16 to win the contest two years in a row. When asked if he'll go for a third win, McClung didn't make any promises but expressed his gratitude for being part of the event, saying, "I would never say never. It's an honor to be here."

2023 Slam Dunk Contest

Then-Philadelphia 76ers point guard Mac McClung dominated the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and won the newly-named “Dr. J Trophy”, paying homage to Julius "Dr. J" Erving. After signing a two-way contract with Philadelphia, McClung outshone competitors like Kenyon Martin Jr., Jericho Sims, and Trey Murphy III. The 24-year-old impressed with a near-perfect performance, earning a flawless 50 points on three out of four dunks. From his first attempt, a spectacular leap over two friends for a reverse jam off the glass, it was evident that McClung was the standout performer, stealing the spotlight with his gravity-defying skills.

NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest Winners

YearHost CityDunk Contest WinnerTeam
1984DenverLarry NancePhoenix Suns
1985IndianapolisDominique WilkinsAtlanta Hawks
1986DallasSpud WebbAtlanta Hawks
1987SeattleMichael JordanChicago Bulls
1988ChicagoMichael Jordan (2)Chicago Bulls
1989HoustonKenny WalkerNew York Knicks
1990MiamiDominique Wilkins (2)Atlanta Hawks
1991CharlotteDee BrownBoston Celtics
1992OrlandoCedric CeballosPhoenix Suns
1993Salt Lake CityHarold MinerMiami Heat
1994MinneapolisIsaiah RiderMinnesota Timberwolves
1995PhoenixHarold Miner (2)Miami Heat
1996San AntonioBrent BarryLos Angeles Clippers
1997ClevelandKobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers
2000OaklandVince CarterToronto Raptors
2001Washington D.C.Desmond MasonSeattle SuperSonics
2002PhiladelphiaJason RichardsonGolden State Warriors
2003AtlantaJason Richardson (2)Golden State Warriors
2004Los AngelesFred JonesIndiana Pacers
2005DenverJosh SmithAtlanta Hawks
2006HoustonNate RobinsonNew York Knicks
2007Las VegasGerald GreenBoston Celtics
2008New OrleansDwight HowardOrlando Magic
2009PhoenixNate Robinson (2)New York Knicks
2010DallasNate Robinson (3)New York Knicks
2011Los AngelesBlake GriffinLos Angeles Clippers
2012OrlandoJeremy EvansUtah Jazz
2013HoustonTerrence RossToronto Raptors
2014New OrleansJohn WallWashington Wizards
2015New York CityZach LaVineMinnesota Timberwolves
2016TorontoZach LaVine (2)Minnesota Timberwolves
2017New OrleansGlenn Robinson IIIIndiana Pacers
2018Los AngelesDonovan MitchellUtah Jazz
2019CharlotteHamidou DialloOklahoma City Thunder
2020ChicagoDerrick Jones Jr.Miami Heat
2021AtlantaAnfernee SimonsPortland Trail Blazers
2022ClevelandObi ToppinNew York Knicks
2023Salt Lake CityMac McClungDelaware Blue Coats
2024IndianapolisMac McClungOsceola Magic

FAQ's

Nate Robisnon. He won the slam dunk contest 3 times.

Zach LaVine set the record with a jaw-dropping score of 299 out of 300 in the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest.

Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest twice, in 1987 and 1988.

Kobe Bryant, at the age of 18, became the youngest player to claim the Slam Dunk Contest title in 1997.

Yes, Jason Richardson accomplished this feat by winning back-to-back Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003.

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