The 5 Greatest Slams in Dunk Contest History

By - Lauren Dundee

While the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest did not live up to its high expectations, the final round saw some great examples of entertaining dunks. However, previous contests have seen some of the best dunks of all-time.

Here are what I believe to be the top 5 greatest slams ever thrown down during All-Star Weekend.

5. Spud Webb

Photo by: Andrew D. Bernstein

Dominique Wilkins was favored to win the 1986 contest, but that wasn't in the cards. Instead, his teammate, 5'7 guard Spud Webb, took the nation by surprise. His first rounds were nothing short of impressive and he made it to the final round facing Dominique. Webb slammed the ball off the ground, caught it in the air, and threw down a shattering reverse slam. It was over. Spud had won the contest against one of the greatest dunkers ever.

4. Dominique Wilkins

1986 wasn't Dominique's only dunk contest. He again made it to the finals during the 1988 affair. On that night, Wilkins would throw down one of the most devastating dunks ever seen. He jumped so high that his head was well over the rim, and he threw it down with such force, it's surprising that the rim didn't break. Dominique would go on to lose the contest, however, due to the upcoming No. 1 slam.

3. Vince Carter

Vince Carter is a legend when it comes to the dunk contest, even though he only made one contest appearance. Still, his 2000 performance was nothing short of amazing. All of his dunks were spectacular, but one in particular stands out. Carter went up for what seemed to be a seemingly routine slam when he threw the ball down with ferocity and was left hanging on the rim by his elbow. The dunk is still one of the most iconic images in the history of the competition.

2. Jason Richardson

In 2003, Richardson performed one of the most seemingly impossible dunks ever. He seemed to combine every style of slam one can do. He lobbed the ball baseline, caught it midair, went through his legs, and threw down a perfect one-handed reverse. Without question it was one of the most amazing dunks ever seen skills-wise. The dunk was one of the most difficult ever performed, and probably always will be.

1. Michael Jordan

You can't talk about a dunk contest without mentioning the greatest of all-time, Michael Jordan. He owned every contest he appeared in. His greatest feat took place during the 1988 event. In the final round, MJ needed a score of 49 to win. He then took flight. Jordan, in one of his most iconic moments, leaped from the free-throw line and slammed it home. Needless to say, he scored a 50, and the Jordan legend was officially born.