The 2023-24 NBA season has been marked by Anthony Edwards’ electrifying dunk over John Collins, setting a new standard for in-game dunks.
Meanwhile, historic slams by legends like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan continue to inspire basketball fans worldwide.
- Anthony Edwards’ dunk over John Collins stands as the season’s highlight.
- Legendary dunks by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan remain unforgettable.
- Dunks are a mix of athletic brilliance, strategic execution, and the will to dominate.
NBA’s Greatest Dunks of the 2023-24 Season
The NBA 2023-24 season has been quite impressive, with numerous memorable dunks, but a few stand out for their sheer audacity and execution.
Let’s dive into the top dunks that have defined this season’s basketball narrative.
Anthony Edwards over John Collins
OH MY GOODNESS 🤯 https://t.co/PWvBFuQeOx pic.twitter.com/nwqjMf1JOh
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2024
Anthony Edwards’ dunk on John Collins was not just the highlight of the year but truly a historic moment in basketball. If you look up “poster dunk” in the dictionary, Edwards’ masterful execution over Collins would be the defining example.
This dunk included all the elements of an iconic moment: star power, enthusiastic commentary, a thrilled crowd and bench, and the complete overpowering of the defender. Edwards, known for his in-game dunking skills, showcased his peak abilities and professionalism.
Smith Jr.’s Incredible Skills
Dennis Smith Jr. ‘22-23 dunk reel 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jklwdnFZln
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) April 1, 2023
Smith Jr.’s dunk displayed remarkable vertical leaps and skill.
At just 6-foot-2, Smith Jr.’s ability to perform such an impressive dunk highlights his athleticism and determination. The difficulty level of this dunk, considering his size, was off the charts.
Jaylen Brown & the Impressive Dunk
The baseline view of Jaylen Brown’s dunk over Gobert is epic pic.twitter.com/HABQoYDW1M
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) November 7, 2023
Jaylen Brown’s dunk is a showcase of raw power and fearlessness. Facing off against Gobert, Brown did not hesitate to dunk with authority, demonstrating his prowess as one of the best in-game dunkers.
His ability to make a statement, regardless of the opponent, sets a high standard for in-game dunking excellence.
Kuminga’s Leap & Show of Precision
The reactions to Kuminga’s dunk are priceless 😂 pic.twitter.com/D6tULNf0bk
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 9, 2023
Kuminga’s dunk was a spectacle of agility and precision. Without a running start, he managed to catapult towards the rim, turning a simple off-ball screen into a moment of aerial brilliance.
This dunk stands out for its spontaneity and Kuminga’s ability to surprise both the audience and the defense.
Wembanyama’s Statement Dunk
Victor Wembanyama’s first NBA dunk. The first of many 👏🏽pic.twitter.com/oAFWgyl1h9
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) October 10, 2023
Wembanyama’s dunk was as strategic as it was spectacular. Starting with a crossover with Kevin Durant, Wembanyama showed that big men can also execute dunks with finesse and power, making a clear statement in response to Durant’s previous play.
This dunk not only showcased his skill but also his competitive spirit.
Ja Morant Over Victor Wembanyama
JA MORANT OVER VICTOR WEMBANYAMA.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 3, 2024
Morant’s audacity to dunk near Wembanyama was breathtaking. Returning from a suspension, Morant reminded everyone of his incredible dunking ability.
The risk of attempting such a dunk against a premier rim protector like Wembanyama speaks volumes about Morant’s confidence.
Legendary Dunks in NBA History
Let’s dive into the greatest dunks the NBA has ever witnessed, featuring feats from legends like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James.
The Iconic Alley-Oop: Kobe to Shaq
This is the iconic sports moment of my childhood – Kobe Bryant lobbing it to Shaquille O’Neal for the alley-oop to cap off an unlikely comeback from 15 points down in Game 7 of the 2000 Western finals against Portland. Just when the Lakers looked finished, they rose up #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/jyMTnhMmJv
— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) January 27, 2020
Kobe Bryant’s lob to Shaquille O’Neal in the 2000 Western Conference Finals Game 7 is legendary.
With the Lakers trailing, this play sparked a miraculous comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers, culminating in a victory that led them to the NBA Finals, where they clinched the championship.
Wade’s Unbelievable Dunk on Perkins
🗓️ March 16th, 2011: 9 years ago…
OKC Thunder at MIA Heat (-6 | O/U: 202.5)
Dwayne Wade (21 PTS) BAPTIZED Kendrick Perkins. 🔨 😳
🗣️ “I need to see that again cause I don’t believe what he did.”pic.twitter.com/opUcLqgftI
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 17, 2020
In 2011, Dwyane Wade’s dunk over Kendrick Perkins showcased his incredible athleticism and marked a significant moment in the “Big Three Era” of the Miami Heat, highlighting Wade’s ability to dominate on the court.
DeAndre Jordan Demolishes Brandon Knight
5 years ago today we lost Brandon Knight due to a VICIOUS dunk by DeAndre Jordan 🙏 #RIP pic.twitter.com/OPbXkQtIjb
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) March 10, 2018
DeAndre Jordan’s poster dunk over Brandon Knight in 2013 became instantly famous and legendary, not just for the sheer force of the dunk but for the social media frenzy it sparked, humorously mourning Knight’s dignity.
Paul George’s 360 Windmill Slam
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In 2014, Paul George executed a mesmerizing 360 windmill dunk, a testament to his explosive athleticism and creativity, leaving fans and players alike in awe.
Gerald Green’s Windmill Alley-Oop
11 years ago today, Gerald Green threw down a NASTY windmill alley-oop 🔥pic.twitter.com/chxZZnAvGW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 10, 2024
Gerald Green’s windmill alley-oop in 2012 was a display of his incredible vertical leap and flair, turning a routine play into a highlight-reel staple.
LeBron James’ Powerhouse Poster on Terry
LeBron James dropped one of the NASTIEST posters on Jason Terry 11 years ago today 😤pic.twitter.com/PDWtMDBJnG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 18, 2024
LeBron James‘ dunk over Jason Terry in 2013 demonstrated his dominance, combining power and precision to deliver one of the most memorable posters in NBA history.
Blake Griffin’s Defining Moment Over Mozgov
Nine years ago today, Blake Griffin literally threw it down on Timofey Mozgov 😱 pic.twitter.com/cUJ17293Ee
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 20, 2019
In 2010, Blake Griffin’s dunk over Timofey Mozgov defined Griffin’s career and introduced “Mozgoved” into the basketball vernacular, symbolizing a powerful dunk over an opponent.
Giannis’ Leap Over Hardaway Jr.
“It was a PERFECT pass!!” @Khris22M on @Giannis_An34‘s dunk OVER Tim Hardaway Jr. pic.twitter.com/PBGNAZC37o
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 9, 2018
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dunk over Tim Hardaway Jr. in 2018 highlighted his incredible length and athleticism, solidifying his reputation as one of the NBA’s most dynamic players.
Jordan’s Classic Dunk Over Ewing
30 YEARS AGO TODAY
Michael Jordan did this to Patrick Ewing!😂 Magic Johnson’s commentary pic.twitter.com/xWNhYlZYW1
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 30, 2021
Michael Jordan’s dunk over Patrick Ewing in the 1991 NBA Playoffs remains one of the most iconic images of his storied career, showcasing his competitive spirit and aerial prowess.
Shaq’s Disrespectful Slam on Dudley
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Shaquille O’Neal’s dunk over Chris Dudley in 1999 was as powerful as it was disrespectful, embodying Shaq’s dominance in the paint and his ability to humiliate defenders.
In conclusion, the dunks of the 2023-24 NBA season and those from the past highlight moments of individual brilliance and the evolution of basketball as a sport.
These aerial feats, from Edwards’ standout slam to the timeless majesty of dunks by Bryant, James, and Jordan, showcase the incredible talent, hard work, and passion that define the NBA.
They remind us of the potential of human athleticism and the enduring legacy of the game’s greatest players.