PDA

View Full Version : Greatest Dunk Ever



DukieBoy
04-16-2008, 07:09 PM
I'm wanting to put a video together with the greatest in-game dunks ever. I was looking for some opinions from people. It can be either NBA or college, but preferrably not in the dunk contest.

Thanks for any help

Dukeford
04-16-2008, 07:47 PM
There's a dunk by Tom Chambers where he jumps over a defender on a fast break that would have to be included.

There are also the 2 backboard shatter dunks by Darryl Dawkins.

And there was a left-handed baseline dunk in traffic by John Starks that I never get tired of seeing.

VaDukie
04-16-2008, 07:52 PM
Dahntay Jones against UVA is absolutely mandatory. PUSH UPS!!!

slower
04-16-2008, 07:56 PM
Between the legs, FROM THE FREE THROW LINE! Game, set, match.

juise
04-16-2008, 08:11 PM
Skitzle linked to this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjSNnQtqutk) in a thread about Corey Maggette's dunk vs. UF. There are some pretty classic dunks in there.

Channing
04-16-2008, 08:29 PM
I like this one!!! Vince over 7'2' French guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp6qJ7LZNlg

This one is also pretty good - although not in a game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt001pBcwjM

gus
04-16-2008, 08:31 PM
And there was a left-handed baseline dunk in traffic by John Starks that I never get tired of seeing.

This one? (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1225891756497704758&q=john+starks&total=658&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1)

I've always like KJ dunking on Olajuwan (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7015923118273847822&q=kevin+johnson+dunk&total=96&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0)

and who can forget this one:
1991 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4436327415761839118&q=grant+hill+91&total=7&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0) (including context. 8:01 if you're not patient)

eta: wow, watching that reminds me how great Hurley was.

Johnboy
04-16-2008, 08:56 PM
Jerome Lane (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhgQlaAUMo8&NR=1) of Pitt is classic.
Send it in, Jerome! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqSwZgpOad8)

blazindw
04-16-2008, 09:07 PM
Add Baron Davis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38s5qh4DMTE) to the list. Also, this T-Mac (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQD9CjVdoc) dunk was stellar as well.



BTW, Vince Carter over Frederic Weis...in my mind, the greatest dunk EVER in a game. Period.

moonpie23
04-16-2008, 09:37 PM
dahntay jones was awesome....

BlueintheFace
04-16-2008, 09:38 PM
Agreed about the Carter dunk being the greatest in-game dunk ever!

I recall Dahntay Jones having an absolutely monstrous dunk early in his senior season at whatever tournament we were in (Great Alaskan?). He literally dunked over somebody in Vince Carter fashion, but they called a charge on him. They flashed to coach K on the sideline mimicking the dunk with one foot in the air and his arm outstretched... he had a huge disbelieving smile on his face. Is my mind playing tricks on me here or does anybody else remember that? If so, is there video anywhere?

dukeENG2003
04-16-2008, 09:41 PM
I remember that dunk, as well as K's mimicking of it. Too bad it was called a charge :(

dcarp23
04-16-2008, 10:42 PM
The Chambers dunk is otherworldly. Just mindboggling how high he gets. (though I guess Mark Jackson gets the assist). I believe NBATV ranked it number one of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDyBSTQDwH8

If they didn't rank it number one, it was the one by Doctor J, which looks like this one, but I don't think is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI84bYrIl9w

dcarp23
04-16-2008, 10:44 PM
More Dr. J--his hands must just be huge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpTfb9SkKaQ&feature=related

The one I referenced above is number one on this clip.

jma4life
04-16-2008, 11:19 PM
Yea, James White in I believe a Turkish all star game dunk contest (guess the games not just about being athletic) has one of the most freakishly athletic dunks I've ever seen. Goes through the legs from the free throw line.

I've talked to a college high jumper who happened to compete against White in high school. According to this guy, there is no question White would be a world record holder in the high jump if he focused on it and perfected his technique. The guy is probably the greatest one footed jumper of all time. (or at least, in the age of video)

Look up Kadour ZIani too. Nothing in game but he's a freakish athlete as well.

Cameron
04-17-2008, 12:14 AM
Antoine Maggette's tech dunk against Florida was the stuff of legends, for sure. I also seem to recall his stairway to heaven put back dunk against N.C. State in the '99 ACC semis. He had FAA clearance that day. The boy could leap.

I know this was a dunk contest edition, but King Rex Chapman's toss around the back slam during the '91 All-Star Weekend was the stuff of legends. He was the man in his prime.

I also second Mad John Starks' baseline jam on MJ and Horace Grant. One of the all-time highlights in NBA history. Still have that game on DVD. Bulls-Knicks, mid '90s... Those were the days.

hc5duke
04-17-2008, 04:15 AM
Antoine Maggette's tech dunk against Florida was the stuff of legends, for sure. I also seem to recall his stairway to heaven put back dunk against N.C. State in the '99 ACC semis. He had FAA clearance that day. The boy could leap.

Hmm I was going to comment on that, but apparently that's his middle name? I couldn't find that clip, but here's a crazy hook shot by Maggette from way past half-court (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7OLaNA16cA&feature=related)

kydevil
04-17-2008, 09:45 AM
Baron Davis over AK-47 in the playoffs last year.

Oh Canada
04-17-2008, 09:53 AM
I'm not a true NBA fan but have to follow my local raptors when I can.

I recall seeing a clip on our sportscentre today where Jamario Moon comes flying into the camera view after a missed shot for a beautiful one handed throw down. He seemed to float so effortlessly that it was unbelievable!

Also, may not have been the greatest ever but I get so excited watching that Marty P. dunk against VCU last year. Came out of nowhere and really showed his athleticism.

Edouble
04-17-2008, 09:58 AM
My favorite is the one where Pippen goes over Ewing, then stands over him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETzpRdC6WS8

Edouble
04-17-2008, 10:00 AM
My second favorite is the one where Jordan goes baseline and then goes over Ewing. His elevation is unbelievable considering he takes like one step and then jams it in Ewing's face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HDdT1oBcXA

gvtucker
04-17-2008, 10:21 AM
My second favorite is the one where Jordan goes baseline and then goes over Ewing. His elevation is unbelievable considering he takes like one step and then jams it in Ewing's face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HDdT1oBcXA

Oh, I really like that one. Another great Jordan dunk was against the Utah Jazz earlier in his career. He dunked on one of the Jazz guards (I forgot who it was) and the Jazz bench started razzing him about how he should pick on someone his own size. So maybe a minute later he takes it straight to the hoop and puts it down on "Dinner Bell" Mel Turpin.

For an amazing dunkfest, go back to the 1983 NCAA tournament, when Houston was really clicking, at least until Guy Lewis slowed them down so that they could lose to NC State. Particularly entertaining was the Houston/Memphis St. game in the Sweet 16, there are a ton of amazing dunks in that one, including one really great Clyde Drexler throwdown. There are also a lot of good ones in the Final Four game against Louisville, though not quite as amazing as the Memphis St. game.

Len Bias had a really cool dunk against UNC his senior year at UNC. He hit a jumper from maybe 20 ft, then immediately stole the ball and did a reverse jam over Warren Martin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdyR6CL0A_M&feature=related

That Dr. J dunk that is #1 on the list of top 10 Dr. J dunks has always been one of my favorites.

I can still remember that ABA All Star game where they had the first slam dunk contest, and David Thompson was really amazing, and then Dr. J took off from the free throw line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-9p87zP8qQ

EarlJam
04-17-2008, 10:25 AM
Without a doubt, I would have to cast my vote for Otis from "The Andy Griffith Show." While he may have exaggerated his character a bit, he came across as both believalbe and lovable. That's not easy to do.

OH! Wait a minute. You said Dunk.

Nevermind.

-EarlJam

P.S. NBA: Dr. J; College: Grant Hill

billybreen
04-17-2008, 10:51 AM
Without a doubt, I would have to cast my vote for Otis from "The Andy Griffith Show." While he may have exaggerated his character a bit, he came across as both believalbe and lovable. That's not easy to do.

Read me my rights as if I didn't know this
Threw me in the tank with the drunk called Otis
With his five o' clock shadow he smelled of 3-day old beer
My man turned to me and said why are you here?

Cameron
04-17-2008, 11:11 AM
Hmm I was going to comment on that, but apparently that's his middle name?

Yeah, I mainly just used it to see what some would say:) You idiot, that's not right! :D. If memory serves me correctly, however, I believe "Corey" was actually Maggette's nickname. His real name was Paul Antoine, I do believe.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

blazindw
04-17-2008, 11:45 AM
Yeah, I mainly just used it to see what some would say:) You idiot, that's not right! :D. If memory serves me correctly, however, I believe "Corey" was actually Maggette's nickname. His real name was Paul Antoine, I do believe.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Cornelius Antoine Maggette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corey_Maggette)

davekay1971
04-17-2008, 12:04 PM
Grant Hill vs Kansas, 1991.

My rationale:
1) It was insane he was even able to catch the alley-oop - the pass was overthrown
2) One handed...with authority
3) The stakes - in a national championship game
4) The statement - the dunk set the tone for the game, and announced quite firmly that Duke was not merely going to be satisfied with the upset over UNLV, there would be no emotional hangover, and Kansas was in for a long night.
5) My perspective: In Cameron, with most of the Duke undergrad body...I don't think I've ever heard Cameron louder.

EarlJam
04-17-2008, 01:41 PM
Grant Hill vs Kansas, 1991.

My rationale:
1) It was insane he was even able to catch the alley-oop - the pass was overthrown


Easy now. Remember, it was Hurley who threw that pass. And if I recall correctly, Hurley didn't make mistakes! The appropriate wording should be:

"...Hurley, knowing Grant's ability, threw Hill a challenging pass."

:D

-EarlJam

P.S. Oh, also, I totally agree with your post and was also in Cameron at that moment!

NashvilleDevil
04-17-2008, 01:56 PM
Grant Hill vs Kansas, 1991.

That is my favorite dunk, glad someone mentioned it. Grant also had a dunk over Alonzo Morning when he was playing with the Pistons. He broke Dan Majerle's ankles and then dunked on 'Zo with authority.

SilkyJ
04-17-2008, 02:06 PM
Easy now. Remember, it was Hurley who threw that pass. And if I recall correctly, Hurley didn't make mistakes! The appropriate wording should be:

"...Hurley, knowing Grant's ability, threw Hill a challenging pass."



Obviously. He was really just trying to raise the energy level of the whole team.

Here's a sick dunk from Grant this year. Glad to see him fully healthy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MNU8-_Kiw8&feature=related

Classof06
04-17-2008, 02:15 PM
My second favorite is the one where Jordan goes baseline and then goes over Ewing. His elevation is unbelievable considering he takes like one step and then jams it in Ewing's face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HDdT1oBcXA

Lemme guess, you were watching the Orlando-Chicago game on NBATV this past Sunday? Both the dunks you mentioned were played during that game as an NBA flashback. Stacey King had to give Ewing a hard time and show those 2 dunks, haha. I kept rewinding them on Tivo for about 10-15 minutes. Two unbelievable dunks at the expense of Ewing's manhood...by the two NBA players most responsible for Ewing never winning an NBA title. Fitting.

gvtucker
04-17-2008, 02:20 PM
That is my favorite dunk, glad someone mentioned it. Grant also had a dunk over Alonzo Morning when he was playing with the Pistons. He broke Dan Majerle's ankles and then dunked on 'Zo with authority.

Oh, that reminds me of another great one, Phil Henderson's dunk on Alonzo Mourning in the regional finals in 1989.

Funny aside, in the April Fool's Day Comical, they had a spoof interview with Phil Henderson. No matter what the question posed to Phil, the answer was always, "I dunked on Alonzo Mourning.

calltheobvious
04-17-2008, 02:34 PM
It hurt my feelings at the time, but it's neat to be able to say that I saw Jerry Stackhouse windmill-dunk over about seven of our guys in Durham in '95.

Not my favorite, but definitely most impressive.

pheery
04-17-2008, 03:34 PM
another good one, vince carter over mourning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7hhxkh4oOs&feature=related

balkan boy
04-17-2008, 03:42 PM
Oh, that reminds me of another great one, Phil Henderson's dunk on Alonzo Mourning in the regional finals in 1989.

Funny aside, in the April Fool's Day Comical, they had a spoof interview with Phil Henderson. No matter what the question posed to Phil, the answer was always, "I dunked on Alonzo Mourning.

Loved that one too -- especially coming a few minutes after he did a finger roll that Mourning swatted. Loved how he faked the finger roll a second time, then cocked it back and slammed it right over 'Zo -- at least that's how I remember it....

Balkan Boy

Edouble
04-17-2008, 03:45 PM
Lemme guess, you were watching the Orlando-Chicago game on NBATV this past Sunday? Both the dunks you mentioned were played during that game as an NBA flashback. Stacey King had to give Ewing a hard time and show those 2 dunks, haha. I kept rewinding them on Tivo for about 10-15 minutes. Two unbelievable dunks at the expense of Ewing's manhood...by the two NBA players most responsible for Ewing never winning an NBA title. Fitting.

No sir, I was not. Those are the two dunks that come to my mind when I think about great throw downs. Of course, I don't claim that they are hidden gems or anything; they are pretty well known. It's funny that they both made a high light reel this past Sunday though.

The Pippen dunk is the one that I remember just running a couple of laps around the house and practically hitting my head on the ceiling when I saw it live. It came to mind instantly when I read the original post. Then after contemplating the Pippen dunk, my thoughts immediatley turned to MJ, as one's thoughts naturally do when thinking of the all-time greatest dunks (especially since he had not been mentioned yet in the post). My favorite dunk of his is the one that I posted. Something about it just really gets to me. I think it's because it combines Jordan's great sense of improvisation, with his poetry in motion, plus incredible power--simply thrilling!!!

As a native Atlantan, I must finally say, go check out Dominique Wilkins' dunk highlights on youtube. The "Human Highlight Reel" is, in my opinion and many others', the greatest dunker of all time. The first, and still the best, to do the two-handed 360 degree windmill throwdown, he lost to Jordan's baseline jam in the dunk contest only b/c of the pressure from the Chicago Stadium homecrowd. A once-in-a-generation novelty dunker, Spudd Webb, kept his teammate 'Nique from winning three dunking championships in a row. The 'Nique vs. Bird rivalry is one that is little mentioned anymore, but is of considerable historical significance. The great white hype matched up against the athletic black power player was a true treat of a battle that helped add to the NBA golden era that was the 1980s. Unfortunatley, b/c of the championships won by Bird, Magic, and Michael (and to a lesser extent Isiah), 'Nique is not remembered among the top calibre of players. Due to a career ending injury, he is also not grouped with Ewing, Isiah, Stockton, Malone, Barkley, and even David Robinson, who had staying power into the late 90s.

Classof06
04-17-2008, 05:03 PM
No sir, I was not. Those are the two dunks that come to my mind when I think about great throw downs. Of course, I don't claim that they are hidden gems or anything; they are pretty well known. It's funny that they both made a high light reel this past Sunday though.

The Pippen dunk is the one that I remember just running a couple of laps around the house and practically hitting my head on the ceiling when I saw it live. It came to mind instantly when I read the original post. Then after contemplating the Pippen dunk, my thoughts immediatley turned to MJ, as one's thoughts naturally do when thinking of the all-time greatest dunks (especially since he had not been mentioned yet in the post). My favorite dunk of his is the one that I posted. Something about it just really gets to me. I think it's because it combines Jordan's great sense of improvisation, with his poetry in motion, plus incredible power--simply thrilling!!!

As a native Atlantan, I must finally say, go check out Dominique Wilkins' dunk highlights on youtube. The "Human Highlight Reel" is, in my opinion and many others', the greatest dunker of all time. The first, and still the best, to do the two-handed 360 degree windmill throwdown, he lost to Jordan's baseline jam in the dunk contest only b/c of the pressure from the Chicago Stadium homecrowd. A once-in-a-generation novelty dunker, Spudd Webb, kept his teammate 'Nique from winning three dunking championships in a row. The 'Nique vs. Bird rivalry is one that is little mentioned anymore, but is of considerable historical significance. The great white hype matched up against the athletic black power player was a true treat of a battle that helped add to the NBA golden era that was the 1980s. Unfortunatley, b/c of the championships won by Bird, Magic, and Michael (and to a lesser extent Isiah), 'Nique is not remembered among the top calibre of players. Due to a career ending injury, he is also not grouped with Ewing, Isiah, Stockton, Malone, Barkley, and even David Robinson, who had staying power into the late 90s.


The best was how pissed Ewing got when Pippen stood over him. It was basically an admission of guilt like "Damn, you posterized me but you didn't have to stand over me like that". Hilarious.

With the Jordan dunk, that's probably one of my favorites cuz of the way he was so crafty against the double team; they shut off the baseline, he turns back towards the middle of the court just enough for the double to move with him, goes back baseline, tip-toes the line, takes one step and lifts off to slam it on Ewing's face. Priceless.

The Bulls-Knicks series in the early/mid 90s was some of the best playoff basketball I've ever seen. I was only like 9 or 10 years old and I still remember how intense and physical those series were. The NBA was so much better back then.

Cameron
04-17-2008, 11:30 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corey_Maggette

The Duke Basketball Encyclopedia starts his bio as Paul Antoine "Corey" Maggette, so someone is wrong. I knew I had read that somewhere, so I went and checked.

Perhaps it's Corey Paul Antoine Maggette, I don't really know. I should have just stuck to Corey in the first place:)

eddiehaskell
04-17-2008, 11:44 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV6Y0OcMJ7o&NR=1

@ 39 seconds in...Iverson over Marcus Camby. It's especially impressive considering he is only about 5'10-5'11.

barjwr
04-18-2008, 12:49 PM
The only time I ever saw Grant Hill show attitude was after his monstrous dunk over Jim McIlvaine in the Sweet 16 against Marquette in Knoxville. I can't find any video of it, though. He followed through after the dunk into McIlvaine's face--standing over him after he had tried to take a charge.

Huh?
04-18-2008, 03:17 PM
I agree with the Dante Jones dunk.
I don't have a video, but a guy on my high school team dunked the ball so hard the ball hit a guys face under the basket and busted his nose....it was magical.

g_olaf
04-18-2008, 03:27 PM
Oh, that reminds me of another great one, Phil Henderson's dunk on Alonzo Mourning in the regional finals in 1989.

That was great cause no one expected it.

I'm still waiting for someone to find/post video of Johnny's dunk against Navy.

oli-p
04-19-2008, 01:27 AM
Jerome Lane (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhgQlaAUMo8&NR=1) of Pitt is classic.
Send it in, Jerome! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqSwZgpOad8)

I remember the dunk that finished second to the Jerome lane dunk that year. I have never seen it again, but Jarvis Basnight (spelling?) of UNLV got a steal, put it behind his back to fake a defender and then jumped over the guy setting up for the charge and dunked. It is probably my favorite game dunk ever.

davekay1971
04-19-2008, 07:38 AM
Oh, that reminds me of another great one, Phil Henderson's dunk on Alonzo Mourning in the regional finals in 1989.

Funny aside, in the April Fool's Day Comical, they had a spoof interview with Phil Henderson. No matter what the question posed to Phil, the answer was always, "I dunked on Alonzo Mourning.


They also had a great cartoon in the chronicle, with an outside view of "Trembling Hills Nursing Home" and, I think, someone saying, "Yes, Mr. Henderson, you already told me about the time you dunked over Alonzo Mourning."

That was a phenomenal dunk. The TV camera had a view right down the lane and you see little Phil go straight up and throw down right over Zo.

DukieBoy
04-30-2008, 10:32 PM
I posted the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_unLYW4WNJQ) today. Thanks for everyone's input. I used some of the ideas and some that weren't mentioned. It's prolly not the greatest ever, but it's more of my favorite. Enjoy!

dukemsu
04-30-2008, 11:10 PM
Grant Hill vs Kansas, 1991.

My rationale:
1) It was insane he was even able to catch the alley-oop - the pass was overthrown
2) One handed...with authority
3) The stakes - in a national championship game
4) The statement - the dunk set the tone for the game, and announced quite firmly that Duke was not merely going to be satisfied with the upset over UNLV, there would be no emotional hangover, and Kansas was in for a long night.
5) My perspective: In Cameron, with most of the Duke undergrad body...I don't think I've ever heard Cameron louder.

Word. I was wondering if anyone would mention that one. I remember Packer saying that he never thought he would catch it, much less dunk it. He also called it a David Thompson dunk from yesteryear.

It's such a shame that people don't remember Grant more that way-although I can't imagine anyone handling injury with the grace that he has. Truly a one of a kind player and a great representative for Duke and for the sport.

hc5duke
05-01-2008, 01:32 AM
I posted the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_unLYW4WNJQ) today. Thanks for everyone's input. I used some of the ideas and some that weren't mentioned. It's prolly not the greatest ever, but it's more of my favorite. Enjoy!

I would have called shenanigans if Shawn Kemp wasn't included. Made #3. Such a waste of talent... Also Vince's dunk is way overrated.

blazindw
05-01-2008, 09:34 AM
The Duke Basketball Encyclopedia starts his bio as Paul Antoine "Corey" Maggette, so someone is wrong. I knew I had read that somewhere, so I went and checked.

Perhaps it's Corey Paul Antoine Maggette, I don't really know. I should have just stuck to Corey in the first place:)

NBA.com lists his full name as Corey Antoine Maggette (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/corey_maggette/bio.html) (scroll to bottom)

So does this website (http://www.coreymaggetteonline.org/).

Edouble
05-01-2008, 10:19 AM
I posted the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_unLYW4WNJQ) today. Thanks for everyone's input. I used some of the ideas and some that weren't mentioned. It's prolly not the greatest ever, but it's more of my favorite. Enjoy!

Yay! My Pippen over Ewing dunk made #2.

Awesome video, well put together.

Inonehand
05-01-2008, 11:02 AM
Can't find the video clip but was from Sampson's freshman year. The announcer (or newscaster with the replay) said "Welcome to the ACC, Ralph Sampson". It was an amazing reach-back dunk from the right wing.

And I'm not going to look back to see who wrote it, but how can anyone say Vince Carter's dunk on this video was overrated? Come on.

Richard Berg
05-01-2008, 11:21 AM
No Tom Chambers? For shame.

hc5duke
05-01-2008, 02:33 PM
No Tom Chambers? For shame.

One of the requirement is that you must obey the laws of gravity.