Best Dunks in NBA All-Star History
What is it about the dunk? Is it the grace of all-world athletes lifting off the ground? The power with which the memorable ones meet the rim? Or just the reminder that playing above the rim is what separates pickup games at your local YMCA from professional basketball?
Everyone in the NBA can dunk, and those who do it with some flair and creativity get seared in our minds. Some of the best have showcased their skills on a stage where the best gather, NBA All-Star Weekend, during a dunk contest or game.
NBA players are entertainers (when given the opportunity), and these dunks have brought generations of fans to their feet and off their couches.
30. James Harden
Year: 2015
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Famous words: "We got him from Oklahoma City three years ago, and he’s just gotten better and better." — Kevin McHale, then Houston Rockets coach
30. James Harden (GIF)
Bottom line: Do you believe in the magic of serendipity?
In the first quarter of the 2015 game, Steph Curry was in the midst of some dribble moves by the basket when he flicked the ball over his shoulder. James Harden appeared almost out of nowhere to slam down the silky assist from Curry with speed and thunder.
These two would be adversaries for years to come, so it was a nice foreshadowing of the most dominant players in the Western Conference.
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29. Charles Barkley
Year: 1992
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Famous words: "I’m a mad dog whose only concern is winning." — Charles Barkley
29. Charles Barkley (GIF)
Bottom line: You may not know it to look at him now, but once upon a time, Charles Barkley was an all-world athlete. He made that abundantly clear to Dikembe Mutombo in the 1992 All-Star Game.
After receiving the ball on a quick turnover in the backcourt, Barkley dunked all over Mutombo with his left hand, sending the big man to the floor with a massive grin on his face.
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28. Blake Griffin
Year: 2011
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Famous words: "I wanted to jump over a convertible, but I wasn’t allowed to. It had to be a Kia Optima." — Blake Griffin, in 2016, on being told he had to jump over a Kia in the 2011 dunk contest
28. Blake Griffin (GIF)
Bottom line: Although Blake Griffin probably has had more notable dunks in just typical regular-season games (RIP, Timofey Mozgov), he had a shining moment at the 2011 dunk contest.
In his final dunk of the night, Griffin had a Kia brought out and placed under the rim. It was half-promotional marketing and half-showmanship, but Griffin pulled it off and solidified his status as a top-notch dunker in the game.
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27. Steph Curry
Year: 2019
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Famous words: "That was the best part of my night for sure." — Steph Curry
27. Steph Curry (GIF)
Bottom line: Steph Curry stunned and delighted everyone with this memorable throwdown to end the 2019 All-Star Game.
His reverse jam got both benches off their seats. The shock of it made the moment unique, as Curry flashed athleticism he doesn’t typically display when bombing 3-pointers.
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26. Tim Duncan
Year: 2000
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Oakland Arena, Oakland, California
Famous words: "It's a battle of size versus the quickness And just on this given day, the size won." — Tim Duncan
26. Tim Duncan (GIF)
Bottom line: Dunks and Tim Duncan are not typically associated with one another, but in 2000, "The Big Fundamental" took flight over a still-in-his-prime Alonzo Mourning.
With Kevin Garnett trapped under the basket, he fired a no-look pass to a cutting Duncan, who jammed it home over Mourning, creating maybe the best poster of Duncan’s illustrious career.
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25. Giannis Antetokuompo
Year: 2017
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Famous words: "Definitely more people are going to know who I am and more fans are going to know who I am for sure. Players and people from the league already know who I am. I am proud." — Giannis Antetokuompo on being voted an All-Star starter
25. Giannis Antetokuompo (GIF)
Bottom line: This may have been the moment everyone realized just how much of a freak the "Greek Freak" is.
In the midst of an abnormally competitive All-Star Game, Steph Curry went up to grab the rebound off a mid-range miss. In comes the massive presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the baseline, soaring up above the rim and jamming it home on top of an unsuspecting Curry.
Curry played it off with a sheepish smile, but knowing what we now do about the "Greek Freak," he was sending a message to the rest of the league.
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24. DeMar Derozan
Year: 2011
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Famous words: 'I'm a dunker. Dunk contests, you go out there and dunk. I'm not into all the props and everything." — DeMar Derozan
24. DeMar Derozan (GIF)
Bottom line: DeMar Derozan had some bad draws in the dunk contest, coming close to winning in both 2010 and 2011.
The highlight of both those years was a supremely skilled throwdown at his hometown court in Los Angeles.
He lobbed it and caught it with one hand off the bounce, with enough leap to duck under the rim and throw down the reverse without ever using his second hand.
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23. Harold Miner
Year: 1993
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
Famous words: "I enjoy dunking and I don't try to hide it. A lot of guys say they don't want to be in the competition because they don't want to be known as one-dimensional. I enjoy playing ball and I enjoy dunking the basketball." — Harold Miner
23. Harold Miner (GIF)
Bottom line: Nowadays this may not seem as impressive, but for the time, the attitude Harold Miner brought on his dunks made them memorable.
On this attempt in the 1993 dunk contest, the Miami Heat’s Miner, who was known as "Baby Jordan" for his resemblance to Michael Jordan's playing style, leaped off the ground, brought the ball deep between his legs and exploded with a massively powerful finish that resonated throughout the arena.
Miner nearly hit his head on the rim, although with all that adrenaline, he probably wouldn’t have noticed.
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22. Josh Smith
Year: 2005
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Famous words: "He shocked me with that one. That was outstanding." — Dominique Wilkins on Josh Smith wearing Wilkins' throwback jersey and then throwing down his signature windmill
22. Josh Smith (GIF)
Bottom line: Embracing his role as the next great Atlanta Hawk dunker, Josh Smith ripped out a page from the history books.
Just 20 years previously, Dominique Wilkins wowed the crowd with a booming windmill finish.
With Wilkins in the crowd, Smith busted out the same move in a throwback jersey, getting the approval of Wilkins and earning a perfect 10.
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21. Kenny Walker
Year: 1989
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: NRG Astrodome, Houston, Texas
Famous words: "I felt like he was with me today. I didn't think about him until I realized I was in the finals." — Kenny Walker on competing in the contest after the death of his father earlier in the week
21. Kenny Walker (GIF)
Bottom line: Kenny Walker wanted to be the next great New York Knick. While you can judge for yourself how that one turned out, he did turn in an all-time great dunk contest performance in 1989.
The highlight of the bunch was a baseline reverse cradle that rocked the house in Houston. Driving baseline, Walker pulled off the rock-the-cradle dunk, swinging the ball over and behind his head and jamming it home without ever appearing to even look at the basket.
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20. Tracy McGrady
Year: 2002
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Famous words: "I have done that dunk numerous times in high school. I just wanted to try it on the NBA level. ... It was a great opportunity to pull it off." — Tracy McGrady on his dunk highlight of the game
20. Tracy McGrady (GIF)
Bottom line: Tracy McGrady made a habit of this move throughout the years in the All-Star game.
Driving near side on the wing, T-Mac gave the ball a casual pass off the left side of the backboard and elevated for the finish.
McGrady would go on to make this move a stable of his All-Star participation, with some others even copying the move in games to come.
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19. Isaiah Rider
Year: 1994
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Famous words: "Every dunk contest they go between the legs, give it different variations -- but I originated it! The East Bay Funk Dunk ... you need to gimme my props." — Isaiah Rider, in 2014, on his famous dunk 20 years earlier
19. Isaiah Rider (GIF)
Bottom line: Before going between the legs on a dunk became expected, Isaiah Rider’s rendition of the East Bay Funk at the 1994 dunk contest was the tone-setter.
Rider changed the game with his baseline drive culminating with an overpowering right-handed slam. The whole arena was brought to its feet, players rose in jubilation, some with their mouths agape in pure awe.
This dunk was the predecessor to many of the creative jams we see today.
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18. Jason Richardson
Year: 2003
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Famous words: "I’ve seen something that I’ve never seen before. ... The dunk contest is back!" — Kenny Smith, during the TNT broadcast, on Jason Richardson's winning dunk
18. Jason Richardson (GIF)
Bottom line: In the mid-2000s, the dunk contest went through a series of lackluster years, but Jason Richardson kept it afloat with some must-watch dunks.
In 2003, he and Desmond Mason squared off for one of the best finishes in the contest’s history. Richardson won the day (and his second straight dunk contest) with a baseline toss in the air that resulted in a reverse-between-the-legs finish for Richardson.
It got the crowd into a frenzy, and even Air Jordan was stunned.
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17. Kevin Garnett
Year: 2001
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: MCI Center, Washington, D.C.
Famous words: "Too much coffee. Too much coffee and Gatorade. It's a hell of a mix. If you're ever tired in the morning, just try that mix, and tell me what you think." — Kevin Garnett
17. Kevin Garnett (GIF)
Bottom line: When you see moments like the ones from this game, where Kevin Garnett tossed a lob to Kobe Bryant and vice versa, you have to wonder how things would have shaped out had these two played together full time.
The two most competitive players of the 21st century only teamed together for these games, and this alley-oop from Bryan to Garnett is dripping in competitive fire.
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16. Michael Jordan
Year: 1988
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Famous words: "I looked up into the box seats and came across the guy who started it all, Dr. J. He told me to go back all the way, go the length of the floor, then take off from the free-throw line. And I did it." — Michael Jordan
16. Michael Jordan (GIF)
Bottom line: With a perfect "50" of a dunk from the free-throw line, Michael Jordan soared over Dominique Wilkins to become 1988’s dunk contest champion.
In a showdown for the ages, Jordan and Wilkins went dunk for dunk. In the end, Jordan left Wilkins in the runner-up circle for the second straight year, building a legacy that he would continue to eclipse for the rest of his GOAT career in Chicago.
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15. JaVale McGee
Year: 2011
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Famous words: "I thought he probably won the dunk contest. He did two dunks that probably nobody else can do." — Flip Saunders on JaVale McGee's performance in the dunk contest
15. JaVale McGee (GIF)
Bottom line: We all had higher hopes for JaVale McGree’s career than what has transpired, but the origin of those hopes came at the 2011 dunk contest, when McGee had a second basket brought out.
Rising up, he threw down two basketballs in succession, pulling off a dunk that showcased his length, hand-eye coordination and ridiculous creativity.
He’s shown that in flashes in games throughout his career, but none better than this exhibition in 2011.
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14. Andre Iguodala
Year: 2006
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Famous words: "I think Iguodala's dunk was the most underrated dunk I've ever seen in the contest's history." — Steve Kerr
14. Andre Iguodala (GIF)
Bottom line: The runner-up of the 2006 dunk contest may have had the dunk of the night.
Now lauded as the lockdown defender for the Warriors title teams, Andre Iguodala was a star in 2006 and shined bright given this chance.
With a teammate assisting by throwing the ball off the back of the backboard, Iguodala somehow jumped up and got his head underneath the backboard, all while slamming it home.
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13. Dee Brown
Year: 1991
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Famous words: "That was the first time I'd tried that dunk, during the contest. It just came to me right before that dunk. It just popped in my head that I needed to do something special, a signature dunk that people would remember me by." — Dee Brown
13. Dee Brown (GIF)
Bottom line: The champion of the 1991 dunk contest, Boston Celtics guard Dee Brown showed off originality and supreme coordination on his no-look jam.
The ability to judge the jump and to find the rim all while not being able to see upped the ante for athleticism, and Brown was a more than a worthy champion.
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12. Julius Erving
Year: 1976
Where: ABA All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: McNichols Arena, Denver, Colorado
Famous words: "His afro was big then, and it was blowing. He went up and threw that baby down, and the crowd went crazy." — Ron Boone, a Spirit of St. Louis All-Star in 1976, on Dr. J's performance
12. Julius Erving (GIF)
Bottom line: The dunk contest was built for Dr. J. This is the lone ABA entry, and Julius Erving is the sole reason why.
The man who turned dunking into an art form also was the originator of the free-throw-line takeoff.
He showed supreme bounce in this contest, and cleared the distance with ease, causing pandemonium in McNichols Arena and taking home the championship.
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11. Dominique Wilkins
Year: 1985
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Famous words: "Dunking is like an art. It's what the fans come to see." — Dominique Wilkins
11. Dominique Wilkins (GIF)
Bottom line: Perhaps to this day still the most powerful dunker of all time, Dominique Wilkins wowed the crowd in 1985 with a flurry of rim-wrecking dunks that echoed through the arena.
The most graceful of them was the windmill. It’s still being replicated in dunk contests every year, and has stood the test of time as an all-time signature sports highlight.
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10. Kobe Bryant
Year: 2009
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Famous words: "The Big Legendaries." — Shaquille O’Neal after he and Kobe Bryant were named co-MVPs of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game
10. 10. Kobe Bryant (GIF)
Bottom line: Kobe Bryant essentially had two primes in his career, and on the back half of the second one, he aimed to prove that there was nothing missing.
Savvy as ever, Bryan drove to the rim directly at the man who would come for his crown in LeBron James, ducking underneath James’ attempt at blocking his shot in mid-air, with enough hang time to flush down the finish.
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9. Nate Robinson
Year: 2009
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Famous words: "I got the championship back to New York City." — Nate Robinson
9. Nate Robinson (GIF)
Bottom line: Nate Robinson took over the top-dunker mantle from the man who stands nearly two feet taller than him by literally leapfrogging the defending champion Dwight Howard.
Robinson’s "krypto-nate" persona added drama and theater, and then he pulled it off.
A phenomenal dunk to take the crown from Howard.
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8. LeBron James
Year: 2008
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans
Famous words: "That last dunk by LeBron, we had two people on him, but that still wasn't enough." — Chris Paul
8. LeBron James (GIF)
Bottom line: LeBron James has robbed fans of their desire to see him in an actual dunk contest, but he still can put on a show.
In a move indicative of his overall game, James surged into the lane and dunked on seemingly the entire Western Conference squad. He finished over and through the best players in the game, who were actively trying to keep him from the rim.
It was an intro to what we would see in the coming years as James evolved into the best in the game.
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7. Amar'e Stoudemire
Year: 2005
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Famous words: "That was a good dunk by Amare and Steve, and I knew I had to pull something out of my hat to get by and win." - Josh Smith
7. Amar'e Stoudemire (GIF)
Bottom line: When you have a teammate with the diverse sports background of Steve Nash, it’d be a shame not to use it. Amar'e Stoudemire agreed and utilized Nash’s skill to create a memorable dunk contest moment.
He bounced the ball off the backboard, off Nash’s head and then threw down the ball after catching it mid-air. Although Nash deserves a fair share of the credit of this one, Stoudemire did throw down the dunk.
It’s an all-time teammate moment in the history of the contest.
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6. Spud Webb
Year: 1986
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas
Famous words: "Leaping is just a God-given talent, and it’s something I try to keep." — Spud Webb
6. Spud Webb (GIF)
Bottom line: Spud Webb’s size made his dunking ability a phenomenon. At 5 foot, 7 inches, his ability to hang in the dunk contest with the likes of Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins was awe-inspiring.
It’s part of the reason his following was so strong, and it made his dunks that much more impressive.
This 360 jam won him the contest in 1986, topping his teammate Wilkins, who won the trophy the year before.
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5. Dwight Howard
Year: 2008
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans,
Famous words: "Everybody always says big men can't jump and big men don't look good dunking. I just tried to add a little bit of my personality. With me being so tall, I knew it was going to be tough. I tried to play to the crowd and have fun." — Dwight Howard
5. Dwight Howard (GIF)
Bottom line: The showmanship of Dwight Howard was on full display in 2008.
A media darling already, Howard went full cheesy mode by donning the Superman outfit and cape during his victorious run at the dunk contest crown.
This dunk seemed almost impossible, even after Howard pulled it off with a thunderous fling of the ball toward the rim.
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4. Zach Lavine
Year: 2016
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Famous words: "That's insane. ... That's why the trophy is with him and not with me." — Aaron Gordon
4. Zach Lavine (GIF)
Bottom line: In one of the best dunk contests from start to finish, Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon went toe-to-toe in an epic showdown.
The best Lavine had to offer was a familiar dunk with a new twist. Lavine took off from the free-throw line and added a windmill motion on top of the distance.
He cleared it easily and topped Gordon to take the title of dunk champion.
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3. Shaquille O’Neal
Year: 1996
Where: All-Star Game
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Famous words: "These are the trials and tribulations that happen to all great players. I’ll get [the MVP] one day. I’ll get a bunch of things one day." — Shaq after not winning MVP of the game
3. Shaquille O’Neal (GIF)
Bottom line: Already an established NBA superstar just three and a half years into his career, Shaquille O’Neal wanted to cement himself as the best big man in the game.
In his way, both literally and figuratively, was Spurs big man David Robinson. On the Spurs' home floor in the 1996 All-Star Game, Shaq got the ball near the free-throw line, took one dribble and served Robinson a massive jam, getting the foul for good measure.
Boos resonated from the Alamodome stands as O’Neal soaked it all in.
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2. Vince Carter
Year: 2000
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Oakland Arena, Oakland, California
Famous words: "It was one of those things where I wanted to show the people how high I can get above the rim and then I can put my arm in the rim. After that, it was just 'hold on' and hopefully I’d wow the crowd where it would be silent in the arena." — Vince Carter
2. Vince Carter (GIF)
Bottom line: Already regarded as a top in-game dunker of all-time, "Vinsanity" thrust himself upon the NBA universe with an epic performance in the dunk ontest in 2000.
His pièce de résistance was a thunderous jam punctuated by Carter going elbow deep into the hoop.
It was an unforgettable combination of athleticism and showmanship.
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1. Aaron Gordon
Year: 2016
Where: All-Star Dunk Contest
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Famous words: "I knew I wanted to do that because it was just different." — Aaron Gordon
1. Aaron Gordon (GIF)
Bottom line: The 2016 contest is overlooked as one of the best in the history of All-Star Weekend.
Aaron Gordon put the exclamation point on it with his dunk that secured the championship.
He cleared the Magic mascot, taking the ball from him and going under both legs before flushing down the winning dunk.
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