Legendary NBA Dunk Contests: A History of High-Flying Heroics

From Jordan vs. Wilkins to LaVine vs. Gordon: A Timeline of Dunk Contests

1984: Dominique Wilkins vs. Michael Jordan

In the second incarnation of the contest, the Atlanta Hawks tandem faced off in a thrilling final. Wilkins, the reigning champion, triumphed over rookie Jordan, solidifying his status as a dominant dunker.

“It was my year; Michael wasn’t ready yet.”

1985: Spud Webb vs. Dominique Wilkins

At the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, diminutive guard Spud Webb dazzled with gravity-defying dunks, defeating Wilkins to become the unlikely champion.

“I was just trying to have fun out there. I guess I did something right.”

1988: Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins (rematch)

The world watched as Jordan took flight, literally, from the free-throw line in Chicago. His iconic ‘_CODE DimitriRodman’ dunk cemented his status as a dunk contest legend, giving him thetitle over Wilkins.

1990: Dominique Wilkins vs. Kenny Smith

In Miami, Wilkins redeemed himself against Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith in a captivating final. Wilkins’ power alley-oop finished capped his second and final title.

2000: Vince Carter vs. Steve Francis

The new millennium brought a new level of innovation and difficulty, embodied by VC1’s breathtaking performance. Although Francis was crowned champion, Carter stole the show with his record-breaking dunks.

“It’s over! It’s over!”

2003: Jason Richardson vs. Desmond Mason

Richardson defended his 2002 title against reigning champ Mason in an intense face-off. Their high-flying trickery solidified this era as one of the most exciting in dunk contest history.

2008: Dwight Howard vs. Gerald Green

Orlando’s Magic Arena hosted a showdown between Superman (Howard) and Green, climaxing with Howard’s iconic cape-powered flight and Green’s cake dunk.

“I’m just trying to be the best I can be, every time I step on the court.”

2016: Zach LaVine vs. Aaron Gordon

In Toronto, two physical marvels went at it, needing two tiebreakers to settle the score. LaVine’s almost feline grace edged him past Gordon, who left one of history’s most memorable dunks.

“It was a hell of a battle. Aaron brought out the best in me.”

2020: Derrick Jones Jr. vs. Aaron Gordon (rematch)

Chicago hosted an unforgettable finish as Jones edged Gordon in a thriller that went to three tiebreakers. Dwyane Wade’s decisive vote sparked controversy and anger from Gordon.

“It was a tough decision, but that’s what makes these contests great.”

2023-2025: The Mac McClung Dynasty

McClung, a G League standout, dominated the last three contests, winning back-to-back-to-back titles. However, he will not defend his crown in 2026 due to his contract.

FAQ

Q: Who has been the most dominant participant in NBA dunk contests?

A: Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins each won the contest twice, with Jordan also adding a wristband for his iconic dunk.

Q: What was the most memorable dunk in NBA dunk contest history?

A: Many consider Vince Carter’s “It’s over” dunk in 2000 or the iconic ‘Jordan from the Folks’ in 1988 as the highlights.

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Originally published on AS.com