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.
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
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.