🏀Best NBA Dunks of All Time

Vince Carter Between-the-Legs 360▲ Rising

Vince Carter's 2000 dunk contest performance rewrote the possible with a between-the-legs 360 that left the arena stunned. The move combined power and finesse in one fluid motion, cementing Carter as the human highlight reel. It still tops highlight reels two decades later.

Player: Vince CarterYear: 2000Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9.7/10Iconic Score: 9.8/10Views (M): 80 M

added by IJR

Kobe Bryant 360 Windmill▲ Rising

Kobe's 1997 contest 360 windmill showed early flashes of the body control that defined his prime. The rotation and finish under contest lights hinted at the all-around greatness to come. It remains a benchmark for guard dunks.

Player: Kobe BryantYear: 1997Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.8/10Iconic Score: 8.5/10Views (M): 45 M

added by IJR

Michael Jordan Free-Throw Line Dunk▲ Rising

Jordan's 1988 free-throw line dunk in the contest proved he could fly from farther than anyone thought possible. The takeoff from the stripe and the two-handed finish became the signature image of his athletic prime. It directly influenced how future generations measured dunk distance.

Player: Michael JordanYear: 1988Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9.5/10Iconic Score: 9.9/10Views (M): 120 M

added by IJR

Russell Westbrook Lob Self-Alley-Oop▲ Rising

Westbrook's self-lob alley-oop in transition became a signature display of his explosive first step and vertical reach. The move turned broken plays into instant highlights. It defined his athletic peak.

Player: Russell WestbrookYear: 2015Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 8.4/10Iconic Score: 7.8/10Views (M): 45 M

added by IJR

Julius Erving Free-Throw Line Dunk

Dr. J's 1976 ABA dunk from the free-throw line established the template for long-distance power slams decades before Jordan. He took off well behind the line and finished with authority, shocking a league still adjusting to his style. The play helped legitimize the dunk as an art form.

Player: Julius ErvingYear: 1976Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9.3/10Iconic Score: 9.6/10Views (M): 40 M

added by IJR

Zach LaVine Between-the-Legs Windmill

LaVine's 2016 between-the-legs windmill combined two elite skills into one explosive package that electrified the crowd. The speed and body control needed to execute it cleanly set a new technical bar. It helped spark the modern dunk-contest renaissance.

Player: Zach LaVineYear: 2016Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9.2/10Iconic Score: 9/10Views (M): 55 M

added by IJR

Aaron Gordon Over the Mascot

Gordon's 2016 leap over the mascot while reverse dunking pushed the boundaries of vertical reach and timing. The move required perfect coordination with the mascot's height and delivered an instant classic. It nearly won the contest outright.

Player: Aaron GordonYear: 2016Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9.4/10Iconic Score: 9.2/10Views (M): 65 M

added by IJR

Dominique Wilkins 1988 Baseline Reverse▲ Rising

Wilkins answered Jordan's free-throw line dunk with a ferocious baseline reverse that showcased raw explosiveness. The quick elevation and two-handed power made it one of the loudest contest moments ever. It kept the 1988 final alive until the final round.

Player: Dominique WilkinsYear: 1988Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9/10Iconic Score: 8.8/10Views (M): 35 M

added by IJR

Blake Griffin Kia Jump▲ Rising

Griffin's 2011 Kia jump-over dunk brought the mascot-prop era into the mainstream with massive elevation. The move combined humor and athleticism in a way that broadened dunk-contest appeal. It helped revive interest in the event.

Player: Blake GriffinYear: 2011Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8/10Iconic Score: 8.4/10Views (M): 60 M

added by IJR

Scottie Pippen Reverse Two-Hander

Pippen's 1990s reverse two-hander in transition highlighted his long wingspan and smooth finishing touch. The dunk became a regular weapon in the Bulls' championship offense. It showed how length translates to dunk artistry.

Player: Scottie PippenYear: 1992Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 7.5/10Iconic Score: 7.9/10Views (M): 30 M

added by IJR

Shaquille O'Neal Backboard Shatter

Shaq's powerful backboard-shattering dunk in 1993 showed raw mass meeting vertical force in unforgettable fashion. The broken glass moment became an instant symbol of his dominance. It changed how arenas prepared equipment.

Player: Shaquille O'NealYear: 1993Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 7.8/10Iconic Score: 8.3/10Views (M): 55 M

added by IJR

Giannis Antetokounmpo Euro-Step Dunk

Giannis turned the euro-step into a dunk weapon during his MVP years, using length and speed to finish through traffic. The move became a signature part of his transition attack. It blended skill and power in live games.

Player: Giannis AntetokounmpoYear: 2019Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 8.2/10Iconic Score: 8/10Views (M): 70 M

added by IJR

Karl Malone Baseline Reverse▲ Rising

Malone's baseline reverse dunk used his strength and footwork to finish through contact in the post era. The move became a reliable weapon for the Jazz offense. It showed power-forward dunking at its most physical.

Player: Karl MaloneYear: 1997Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 7.2/10Iconic Score: 7.5/10Views (M): 25 M

added by IJR

Shawn Kemp Reverse Two-Hander

Kemp's reverse two-hander became his calling card during the Sonics' run, using his massive vertical to finish above the rim. The dunk embodied the athleticism of 1990s power forwards. It still draws comparisons to modern leapers.

Player: Shawn KempYear: 1994Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 8.1/10Iconic Score: 7.7/10Views (M): 35 M

added by IJR

Ja Morant Off-the-Glass 360

Morant's 2022 off-the-glass 360 demonstrated elite spatial awareness and hang time in a game setting. The move translated contest creativity into live action, energizing an entire franchise. It instantly became a signature highlight.

Player: Ja MorantYear: 2022Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 9.1/10Iconic Score: 8.9/10Views (M): 50 M

added by IJR

LeBron James Chase-Down Windmill

LeBron's windmill dunk in transition combined speed, power, and flair during his prime. The move turned fast breaks into must-see theater and showcased his unmatched combination of size and athleticism. It became a recurring staple of his highlight reel.

Player: LeBron JamesYear: 2010Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 8.3/10Iconic Score: 8.6/10Views (M): 90 M

added by IJR

Dwight Howard Superman Cape

Howard's 2008 Superman dunk with the flowing cape turned the contest into pure entertainment while still delivering elite elevation. The prop added spectacle without hiding the vertical leap required. It became the template for theatrical contest entries.

Player: Dwight HowardYear: 2008Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.5/10Iconic Score: 8.7/10Views (M): 70 M

added by IJR

Vince Carter Elbow Dunk

Carter's elbow dunk in 2000 added another layer to his legendary contest run with rim-hang creativity. The move required precise timing and body control. It further cemented his status as contest GOAT.

Player: Vince CarterYear: 2000Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 9/10Iconic Score: 8.2/10Views (M): 45 M

added by IJR

Derrick Jones Jr. Between-the-Legs

Jones Jr.'s 2020 between-the-legs dunk revived contest excitement after a quiet period with clean execution and vertical pop. The move showed how modern athletes continue to iterate on classic techniques. It earned him the trophy.

Player: Derrick Jones Jr.Year: 2020Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.7/10Iconic Score: 8.1/10Views (M): 40 M

added by IJR

Anthony Edwards Between-the-Legs

Edwards' between-the-legs dunk in 2023 showed the next generation continuing to push contest creativity with elite body control. The move earned high marks for execution and vertical. It signaled his rising star status.

Player: Anthony EdwardsYear: 2023Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.6/10Iconic Score: 7.6/10Views (M): 35 M

added by IJR

DeAndre Jordan Rim-Hang Windmill▼ Falling

Jordan's rim-hang windmill showcased his massive hands and vertical reach in transition. The move became a regular part of Clippers fast breaks. It highlighted how big men can still dominate dunk highlights.

Player: DeAndre JordanYear: 2015Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 7.9/10Iconic Score: 7.3/10Views (M): 30 M

added by IJR

Victor Wembanyama Transition Flush

Wembanyama's transition flush uses his unprecedented length to finish plays that no other player can reach. The dunk has quickly become a staple of Spurs highlight reels. It hints at a new era of size and skill.

Player: Victor WembanyamaYear: 2024Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 8/10Iconic Score: 7.2/10Views (M): 40 M

added by IJR

Obi Toppin Reverse 360

Toppin's reverse 360 in the 2022 contest used his vertical pop to add rotation to a classic reverse finish. The move helped him claim the title and showed continued evolution in contest dunks. It stands as his biggest highlight.

Player: Obi ToppinYear: 2022Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.4/10Iconic Score: 6.9/10Views (M): 22 M

added by IJR

Chris Webber Baseline Jam▼ Falling

Webber's baseline power jam in the 1990s combined his size and leaping ability into a staple of Kings highlight reels. The move helped define the team's up-tempo identity. It remains a fan favorite from that era.

Player: Chris WebberYear: 1994Dunk Contest: —Difficulty: 7.6/10Iconic Score: 7.4/10Views (M): 20 M

added by IJR

Mac McClung Between-the-Legs

McClung's between-the-legs dunk in the 2023 contest delivered clean execution and earned him the trophy as a G-League call-up. The move proved creativity still matters more than roster status. It became an instant underdog story.

Player: Mac McClungYear: 2023Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.5/10Iconic Score: 7/10Views (M): 30 M

added by IJR

Michael Jordan Right-Hand Reverse▼ Falling

Jordan's right-hand reverse in the 1987 contest showed his ability to finish with either hand at elite elevation. The move added to his growing legend before the free-throw line dunk. It remains a clean example of his finishing touch.

Player: Michael JordanYear: 1987Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8/10Iconic Score: 7.8/10Views (M): 35 M

added by IJR

Jalen Green 360 Windmill▼ Falling

Green's 360 windmill in the 2022 contest combined rotation and power in a way that stood out among younger dunkers. The move earned strong scores and helped establish his athletic reputation. It remains one of his signature highlights.

Player: Jalen GreenYear: 2022Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.3/10Iconic Score: 7.1/10Views (M): 25 M

added by IJR

Aaron Gordon Windmill

Gordon's windmill in the 2016 contest added another layer to his dominant performance with smooth mechanics and power. The dunk helped push the event back into the spotlight. It remains a core part of his highlight package.

Player: Aaron GordonYear: 2016Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.2/10Iconic Score: 7.5/10Views (M): 28 M

added by IJR

Dominique Wilkins 1985 Baseline▼ Falling

Wilkins' 1985 baseline dunk established his reputation as a power dunker before the famous 1988 showdown. The move used his explosiveness to finish with authority. It set up his rivalry narrative.

Player: Dominique WilkinsYear: 1985Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.5/10Iconic Score: 7.6/10Views (M): 18 M

added by IJR

Zach LaVine Between-the-Legs▼ Falling

LaVine's between-the-legs dunk in 2015 set the stage for his later dominance with quick elevation and clean execution. The move helped launch his contest reputation. It showed early promise of his athletic toolkit.

Player: Zach LaVineYear: 2015Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.1/10Iconic Score: 7.2/10Views (M): 20 M

added by IJR

Julius Erving Rock the Cradle▼ Falling

Erving's rock-the-cradle dunk in 1984 became an early contest signature with its sweeping motion and power. The move helped popularize the event on national television. It remains a foundational highlight.

Player: Julius ErvingYear: 1984Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.3/10Iconic Score: 8/10Views (M): 30 M

added by IJR

Aaron Gordon Front Windmill▼ Falling

Gordon's front windmill in 2016 added variety to his dominant night with smooth mechanics and elevation. The dunk helped push the contest into overtime drama. It remains a fan favorite from that event.

Player: Aaron GordonYear: 2016Dunk Contest: ✓Difficulty: 8.3/10Iconic Score: 7.4/10Views (M): 24 M

added by IJR