The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has long been one of the most exciting events in basketball, a stage where creativity, athleticism, and showmanship collide. Since its official NBA debut in 1984, the contest has produced jaw-dropping moments that remain etched in basketball history. For many fans, the Dunk Contest is not just about who wins but about witnessing something unforgettable—a move that pushes the boundaries of what seems humanly possible. Over the decades, superstars and rising talents alike have delivered iconic dunks that continue to define the event. Here, we take a journey through the top NBA Dunk Contest moments that showcase the artistry and power of the game.
Julius Erving’s Free-Throw Line Dunk (1976 ABA Contest and 1984 NBA Contest)
Before the Dunk Contest became an NBA tradition, Julius “Dr. J” Erving was already redefining aerial artistry. In the 1976 ABA Dunk Contest, Erving famously took off from the free-throw line, gliding through the air with grace and authority. When the NBA adopted the dunk contest in 1984, Dr. J repeated the feat, reminding the basketball world of his innovation. His free-throw line dunk remains one of the most influential in history, inspiring countless players to attempt similar feats in later contests.
Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan Moment (1988)
No list of Dunk Contest moments is complete without Michael Jordan’s legendary 1988 performance. Going head-to-head with Dominique Wilkins, Jordan put on a show that elevated the contest to new heights. His iconic free-throw line dunk, complete with his tongue out and effortless hang time, captured the imagination of fans everywhere. Jordan won the contest that year in front of his home crowd in Chicago, solidifying the “Air Jordan” nickname and forever linking his legacy to Dunk Contest history.
Dominique Wilkins’ Power and Creativity (1985 and 1990)
Known as “The Human Highlight Film,” Dominique Wilkins was a Dunk Contest icon. In 1985, he defeated Jordan with a mix of raw power, two-handed windmills, and emphatic jams that showcased his strength. His combination of ferocity and finesse set him apart, and in 1990 he returned to win again, proving his longevity as one of the most dominant dunkers in history. Wilkins’ dunks weren’t just about flight—they were about authority, sending the message that dunking could be as much about intimidation as beauty.
Vince Carter’s Legendary Night (2000)
Perhaps the greatest Dunk Contest performance of all time came in 2000 when Vince Carter redefined what was possible above the rim. Every dunk he attempted was iconic, from the 360 windmill to the between-the-legs jam off a bounce pass from Tracy McGrady. His “elbow dunk,” where he hung on the rim with his arm buried inside the hoop, left the crowd and judges stunned. Carter’s dominance was so complete that after his final dunk, he simply pointed to the crowd as if to say, “It’s over.” That night in Oakland is still considered the gold standard for Dunk Contests.
Jason Richardson’s Back-to-Back Brilliance (2002 and 2003)
Jason Richardson brought creativity and consistency to the Dunk Contest in the early 2000s. Winning back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003, he thrilled fans with reverse 360s and innovative between-the-legs dunks. One of his most famous moments was the 2003 dunk where he caught the ball off the backboard, put it between his legs midair, and finished with his left hand. Few players have combined power, difficulty, and flair the way Richardson did during his run.
Dwight Howard as Superman (2008)
Dwight Howard brought theatrics and personality to the Dunk Contest in 2008 with his Superman cape and iconic soaring dunk. He didn’t just jump high—he elevated the showmanship of the contest by blending entertainment with athletic dominance. Howard’s “Superman Dunk” wasn’t technically a dunk in the traditional sense, as he threw the ball through the hoop from above the rim, but the spectacle and crowd reaction made it one of the most memorable moments in contest history.
Nate Robinson vs. Dwight Howard (2009)
The 2009 Dunk Contest provided a classic duel between the 6-foot-11 Howard and the 5-foot-9 Nate Robinson. In a David vs. Goliath battle, Robinson, dressed in green Kryptonite sneakers and a Knicks jersey, soared over Howard to complete an incredible dunk that electrified the crowd. Robinson’s underdog victory proved that creativity and determination could outshine size and power, and it made him one of the most beloved figures in contest history.
Blake Griffin Jumps Over a Car (2011)
In 2011, Blake Griffin delivered a dunk that was as theatrical as it was jaw-dropping. With a choir singing “I Believe I Can Fly,” Griffin jumped over the hood of a Kia car to throw down an alley-oop lob from teammate Baron Davis. While some argued about the difficulty compared to past dunks, the spectacle cemented it as one of the most unforgettable moments. It represented the contest’s shift into entertainment spectacle as much as athletic competition.
Zach LaVine’s Aerial Mastery (2015 and 2016)
Zach LaVine brought artistry back to the Dunk Contest with his back-to-back wins in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, he wowed the world with free-throw line dunks between his legs and behind-the-back finishes. But his 2016 duel with Aaron Gordon is widely regarded as the greatest Dunk Contest showdown ever. LaVine’s dunks were flawless, combining technical difficulty with elegance. His ability to make the impossible look effortless left judges and fans in disbelief.
Aaron Gordon’s Dunk Over Stuff the Magic Dragon (2016)
While Zach LaVine may have won the 2016 contest, Aaron Gordon arguably stole the show. His dunk over the Orlando Magic’s mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon, was unlike anything seen before. Gordon grabbed the ball as the mascot spun on a hoverboard, passed it under both legs in midair, and slammed it home with authority. The crowd erupted, and even though Gordon controversially finished second, his creativity made this one of the most iconic dunks in history.
Donovan Mitchell’s Tribute Dunk (2018)
In 2018, Donovan Mitchell paid tribute to Vince Carter by donning Carter’s Raptors jersey and recreating his famous 360 windmill dunk. Mitchell’s performance was both nostalgic and electrifying, showing respect to one of the greats while carving out his own place in Dunk Contest history. His tribute highlighted how the contest connects generations of fans and players, reminding everyone of its legacy.
Mac McClung’s Breakout Performance (2023)
The 2023 Dunk Contest was revitalized by Mac McClung, a G-League player who became an overnight sensation. Despite being relatively unknown to casual fans, McClung stunned the world with a series of flawless, innovative dunks that earned him multiple perfect scores. His creativity, precision, and ability to execute under pressure brought back excitement to an event many felt had lost its luster. McClung’s performance demonstrated that the Dunk Contest could still produce magical, unexpected moments.
Why the Dunk Contest Still Matters
Over the years, critics have argued that the Dunk Contest has lost its edge, with fewer stars participating and dunks becoming repetitive. Yet, moments like those from Vince Carter, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, and Mac McClung prove that the contest still has the power to captivate audiences worldwide. The Dunk Contest remains a showcase of imagination and athletic brilliance, offering players a chance to etch their names into NBA lore.
Conclusion
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has evolved from a fun sideshow into a cultural spectacle, producing moments that define eras and inspire future generations. From Julius Erving’s free-throw line leap to Vince Carter’s jaw-dropping display, from Dwight Howard’s Superman theatrics to Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon’s duel, and from Nate Robinson’s underdog triumph to Mac McClung’s breakout stardom, the contest has consistently delivered unforgettable highlights. The Dunk Contest may ebb and flow in popularity, but its greatest moments remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place—the awe of seeing human creativity, athleticism, and passion soar above the rim.
