The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most exciting events in sports. Since its inception in 1984, the Dunk Contest has featured some of the most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring dunks ever seen. While there have been many great contests over the years, here are the top five best NBA Dunk Contests of all time.
1. 1988 NBA Dunk Contest – Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins
The 1988 NBA Dunk Contest is widely regarded as the best Dunk Contest of all time. Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins went head-to-head in a showdown for the ages. Both players put on a show, with Jordan and Wilkins each scoring a perfect 50 on their final dunk. In the end, Jordan was crowned the champion, but the contest is remembered for the incredible performances from both players.
2. 2016 NBA Dunk Contest – Zach LaVine vs. Aaron Gordon
The 2016 NBA Dunk Contest featured a duel between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon that will go down in history. The two players traded dunks back and forth, with each one seemingly more impressive than the last. LaVine ended up winning the contest, but it was Gordon’s through-the-legs dunk over the mascot that stole the show.
3. 2000 NBA Dunk Contest – Vince Carter
Vince Carter’s performance in the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest is the stuff of legend. Carter put on an absolute clinic, throwing down some of the most jaw-dropping dunks ever seen. His between-the-legs dunk from the free-throw line is still talked about to this day. Carter’s performance was so impressive that he didn’t even need to do his final dunk to secure the victory.
4. 1985 NBA Dunk Contest – Dominique Wilkins
The 1985 NBA Dunk Contest was the first year the event was held, and Dominique Wilkins made sure it was a memorable one. Wilkins put on a show, throwing down dunk after dunk with ease. His windmill dunk, in particular, was a thing of beauty. Wilkins was crowned the champion, and the Dunk Contest became an instant hit with fans.
5. 2011 NBA Dunk Contest – Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin’s performance in the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest was one for the ages. Griffin threw down a series of dunks that had the crowd on their feet, including a two-handed windmill and a 360-degree dunk over a car. Griffin’s final dunk, where he jumped over a Kia Optima and threw down a one-handed jam, sealed the victory for him.
The NBA Dunk Contest has produced some of the most memorable moments in sports history. While there have been many great contests over the years, these five stand out as the best of the best. Whether it was Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins in 1988, or Blake Griffin’s incredible performance in 2011, these Dunk Contests will be remembered for years to come.
HoopSocial
Independent basketball blog covering all things NBA, WNBA, College Hoops, Draft, and Betting. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and listen to HoopSocial Podcasts anywhere you get your shows!