Explore every dunk that scored a perfect 10 in All-Star Slam Dunk Contest history from 1984 to 2024!
The inaugural Dunk Contest occurred on January 27, 1976, during the halftime of that year’s ABA All-Star Game, featuring stars George “Iceman” Gervin and Julius “Dr. J” Erving, marking the final season before the ABA-NBA merger.
Erving emerged victorious in this first contest, and the NBA reintroduced the Dunk Contest as a staple in 1984, where Larry Nance of the Phoenix Suns triumphed over Erving to claim the first-ever standalone event title in the league’s history.
With this brief history in mind, let’s delve into five of the most memorable Slam Dunk Contests in history.
1985: Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins
Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins showcased their incredible skills during the 1985 Dunk Contest.
During his 15-season career, Wilkins became known as “The Human Highlight Film” due to his remarkable dunks. He faced off against a rookie Jordan in a contest that significantly elevated the NBA’s profile. The competition saw Wilkins performing an impressive two-handed windmill right after Jordan’s jaw-dropping reverse dunk, making it difficult for judges to choose. In the end, Wilkins’s powerful and dynamic dunks earned him the win.
1988: Jordan vs. Wilkins, Part Two
Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins faced off at Chicago Stadium in one of the league’s most iconic duels.
At the 1988 NBA All-Star Weekend, “Air Jordan” astonished fans and judges with his legendary free-throw line dunk. Entertaining the Chicago crowd with his creativity and explosive finishes, Jordan secured his second consecutive Dunk Contest title, avenging his loss from 1985. Meanwhile, Wilkins delivered several impressive dunks, including a 360-degree tomahawk and powerful windmills.
2000: Vince Carter’s Dominance
Watch highlights from Vince Carter’s stunning performance in the 2000 Dunk Contest!
As a newcomer to the All-Star scene with the Toronto Raptors, Vince Carter delivered an unforgettable spectacle that redefined the Dunk Contest. Beginning with a remarkable 360 reverse dunk, he captured the audience’s excitement and received a perfect score from judges. Not stopping there, Carter executed various jaw-dropping dunks, culminating in the unprecedented “elbow dunk,” which solidified his status as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
2003: Back-to-Back Wins for Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson reflects on his victories in the 2002 and 2003 NBA Slam Dunk Contests.
In a rematch from the previous year, “J-Rich” and Desmond Mason kept the audience entertained. Mason’s impressive left-handed dunk couldn’t secure him the title, as Richardson reclaimed his crown by executing a stunning self-pass dunk with an incredible between-the-legs finish, causing an uproar among the crowd.
2016: Zach LaVine vs. Aaron Gordon
Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon showcased unprecedented creativity, leading to a dramatic showdown.
Following his 2015 victory, LaVine brought his A-game against Gordon in 2016. Their competitiveness and creativity had fans on the edge of their seats, with LaVine executing gravity-defying airborne dunks and Gordon employing his mascot for assistance. After a series of perfect scores and an intensely closely contested battle, LaVine secured his second consecutive title with a pair of impressive foul-line dunks.
