The Art of the NBA Dunk Contest
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is arguably the most electrifying event during All-Star Weekend. Since its modern incarnation began in 1984 with Larry Nance, the contest has produced some of basketball's most iconic moments -- from Michael Jordan's free-throw line dunk to Vince Carter's jaw-dropping 2000 performance that many consider the greatest dunk contest ever.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in excitement with Mac McClung becoming the first back-to-back champion since Nate Robinson, and the legendary 2016 battle between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon that many argue is the greatest dunk contest of the modern era. Explore the Three-Point Contest or Skills Challenge for more All-Star Weekend events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most Slam Dunk Contest wins?
Nate Robinson holds the record with 3 wins (2006, 2009, 2010). Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Zach LaVine, and Mac McClung each have 2 wins.
What is a perfect score in the Dunk Contest?
A perfect score is 50 points for a single dunk (five judges each scoring 10) or 100 in the final round (two dunks). Perfect scores have been awarded to dunks by Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, Zach LaVine, and others.
Why do some star players skip the Dunk Contest?
Many star players avoid the Dunk Contest due to injury risk, the difficulty of meeting heightened expectations, and the physical toll during a long season. The event has increasingly featured lesser-known players as a result.
What was the most controversial Dunk Contest?
The 2020 contest between Derrick Jones Jr. and Aaron Gordon is considered the most controversial, with many fans and analysts believing Gordon was robbed after multiple perfect-score-worthy dunks.