Michael Jordan dunking Contest

Michael Jordan captured the 1988 Slam Dunk subject by edging competing Dominique Wilkins within the finals.

It absolutely was the ultimate faceoff. It turned out 3 years since jordan and Dominique Wilkins squared off in All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. In the 1st matchup associated with the high-flying duo in 1985, Dominique edged out of the Bulls novice to win his first dunk title. Injuries prohibited the rematch of this two stars in 1986 (Jordan) and 1987 (Wilkins).

These times, Jordan had the homecourt benefit within the struggle of the league's top two leading scorers. The 1988 All-Star Weekend had been held in Chicago Stadium, home of a few of Michael's many spectacular dunks.

"Expectations in Chicago tend to be from this globe, " commented Willkins.

The duo withstood competition from 1986 winner Spud Webb, Houston's Otis Smith and Portland's high-flying Clyde Drexler to set the phase the final showdown.

Michael and Dominique wouldn't disappoint the loaded Chicago Stadium audience of 18, 403 followers, using turns showcasing some of the occasion's best and fanciest dunks previously seen. The 2 combined to record four away from six perfect results of 50 inside last round.

With a variety of energy and finesse, the "Human Highlight Film" took a comfortable lead proceeding into the fourth and last dunk after making two right results of 50 points. But Dominique's final two-handed windmill jam scored a modest 45, setting the stage for defending champ's finale.

"I happened to be shocked, " Jordan stated about Wilkin's final rating. "i might have given him a 49 or a 50."

In need of 49 things to fully capture his 2nd straight slam dunk subject, Jordan headed on opposite end associated with the floor to your pleasure for the Chicago fans. They understood the thing that was coming. A la Dr. J., Jordan shot to popularity running, lifted removed from the free throw range, dual clutched in midair and slammed it down when it comes to perfect rating together with slam dunk title.

"we looked up to the field seating and came across the guy who began all of it, Dr. J, " Jordan said. "He told me to return right, go the size of the ground, after that take-off from the free-throw line. And I also made it happen."

In what will be the last year both would fulfill in the dunk contest, the home town preferred prevailed inside many remarkable and questionable ending to your All-Star Saturday classic showdown with a 147-145 final-round triumph.

"when you are in a person's hometown, it certainly is tough, Wilkins stated. "But he previously a good dunk, you must acknowledge. If anyone's going to overcome myself, I would rather have it is him."

Jordan, who also take home best athlete awards on All-Star Game 24 hours later, savored the success but understood the significance of a homecourt advantage.