Ranking the 10 most entertaining NBA dunk contests to date

NBA dunk contests are popular in the National Basketball Association. It is a two-round competition, where five judges score every dunk made by a player on a scale of six to 10. A dunk can receive up to 50 points or at least 30. Over the years, fans have witnessed incredible skills as NBA stars display their best moves in the competition.

Basketball has produced legendary stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, but who has won a dunk contest? Contrary to what many people believe, dunking is quite a challenging thing to do. Although some players make it seem easy, it is an art that requires concentration, agility, and technique to achieve.

Which is the best dunk contest ever?

The competition was first held in 1984. Since then, the National Basketball Association has held 27 editions. However, not all are worth talking about. Some were boring and less thrilling, while others were spectacular. So, what was the best NBA dunk contest ever? Below is a list of the best moments ever produced in the competition.

Who has won 3 dunk contests?

Several players have won the NBA dunk contest more than once, but only one person has managed three. Former point guard Nate Robinson holds the record of the most decorated player in the competition. He won it three times (2006, 2009 and 2010), while playing for the New York Knicks.

Players with two dunk contest titles

Besides Robinson, five NBA legends have won the competition twice. They include Michael Jordan, Jason Richarson, and Zack LaVine.

What is the best dunk in a dunk contest?

Over the years, fans have enjoyed excellent performances from players in the competition. Therefore, we have ranked the best moments based on the stars present, memorable moments, level of rivalry, legacy, and the uniqueness of showcased styles.

10. Blake Griffin vs JaVale McGee

Blake Griffin and JaVale McGee produced one of the most entertaining dunk contests in basketball history. The best moment came when Blake jumped over a car in his highlight reel to win the trophy in Los Angeles.

9. Dominique Wilkins vs Michael Jordan

Wilkins outshined rookie Michael Jordan 147-136 in the final round to win the epic battle. The legendary NBA star finished third in the 1984 contest but bounced back with one of the best performances in history. He received perfect scores of 10 from each of the five judges on his last two attempts, which helped him beat Jordan.

8. Dee Brown vs Rex Chapman

Brown's performance in 1991 remains one of the best in the competition. The Celts legend trailed Rex Chapman heading into the third round before convincing fans and the judges with his famous no-look dunk. While approaching the rim, Brown shoved his face into his arm to block his view before completing a beautiful dunk that shocked the crowd.

7. Nate Robinson vs Andre Iguodala

Nate Robinson edged out Andre Iguodala in a close battle that left a bitter taste in Iguodala's fans who believed he won it. Robinson jumped over Spud Webb (the shortest man to ever win the competition) to score, earning him 50 points. Meanwhile, Iguodala also pulled special moves including an off-the-back glass, and one-handed reverse, but still fell behind his opponent.

6. Nate Robinson vs Dwight Howard

Robinson won his second title following an impressive display that left nearly everyone on their feet. The NBA legend jumped over his opponent, Dwight Howard, before slamming the ball down to earn him points.

5. Spud Webb vs Dominique Wilkins

Spud took down one of the greatest dunkers of all time, Dominique Wilkins. Webb displayed moves like reverse dunks, one-handed hammers, and lobs to emerge victorious.

4. Dwight Howard vs Gerald Green

Green's candle incident move caught many by surprise. He jumped barefoot and blew a candle on a cupcake that was sitting on top of the rim before scoring a dunk. However, Howard, with his Superman apparel, jumped higher in his second attempt, producing one of the most memorable in the history of the All-Star competition.

3. Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkins

Michael Jordan's best dunk contest came in 1988 when he soared through the air to deliver a spectacular dunk that has inspired many generations. The move helped him complete a sweet revenge over Dominique Wilkins, who had defeated him in 1985. Jordan's jump from the free-throw line was one of the many things that solidified his legendary status in the NBA.

2. Vince Carter's debut contest

Carter is widely recognized as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. Vince Carter's best dunk contest came in his debut in 2000. The basketball legend produced a 360 windmill dunk and a signature elbow that left many people on their feet. He was announced the 2000 dunk contest winner unopposed.

1. Aaron Gordon vs Zach LaVine

Zach Lavine's best dunk contest against Zach LaVine in 2016 is generally considered the best in the competition's history. Although some still believe it was Aaron Gordon's best dunk contest and perhaps deserved to win it, Lavine's performance was equally impressive. The 2016 contest gave us two of the best NBA dunkers in modern times, with both players displaying incredible skills.

Who was the 1996 dunk contest winner?

Legendary LA Clippers star Brent Barry won the 1996 edition, becoming the first white player to win the contest. Barry won the trophy as a rookie, beating Darrell Armstrong, who became famous for his layup style.

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NBA dunk contest winners last 5 years

The last five years have seen different players take home the prestigious trophy. Here is a list of NBA stars who nailed it.

NBA dunk contest 2023 participants

Many basketball fans will be looking forward to the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest, which is scheduled for 18 February 2023. The competition will feature some popular figures in the NBA. They are:

NBA dunk contests remain one of the most anticipated events in basketball, with the winner taking home a trophy. However, many talented players have never participated in the event, including Shaquille O'Neal, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett.

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Contest	Year	Winner
Aaron Gordon vs Zach LaVine	2016	LaVine
Vince Carter's debut contest	2000	Vince Carter
Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkins	1988	Michael Jordan
Dwight Howard vs Gerald Green	2008	Dwight Howard
Spud Webb vs Dominique Wilkins	1986	Spud Webb
Nate Robinson vs Dwight Howard	2009	Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson vs Andre Iguodala	2006	Nate Robinson
Dee Brown vs Rex Chapman	1991	Dee Brown
Dominique Wilkins vs Michael Jordan	1985	Dominique Wilkins
Blake Griffin vs JaVale McGee	2011	Blake Griffin