The NBA’s Five Best Dunks Ever

First and foremost.  The credentials I will be using to pick my top five dunks are the following:

– Aesthetics.
– If it drew a foul.
– The atmosphere.
– Athleticism.

Each will be out of 10, with the exception of the foul.

5.  Michael Jordan on Ewing—1991 Conference Quarterfinals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkEVn1VUBlE

Jordan against one of the best defensive teams of all-time.  Humiliating two great defenders in their home arena.  What a great way to start off.

Overall score:

Aesthetics:  7/10
Foul?  Yes.
Atmosphere:  6/10
Athleticism:  8/10

Overall:  7.2/10

4. LeBron James on Damon Jones – February 3rd, 2005

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K73lS1HetaY

Not a lot of variety in terms of dunks.  He still knows how to humiliate defenders. 

Overall score:

Aesthetics:  10/10
Foul?  Yes.
Atmosphere:  3/10
Athleticism:  9/10

Overall:  7.5/10

3.  Shaq monster dunk on ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMX1FGwyr38

Known for his powerful, ineloquent dunks, Shaq doesn’t let us down.

Overall score:

Aesthetics:  9/10
Foul?  Yes.
Atmosphere:  7/10 (I’m not sure when this was; I’m fairly sure on the bottom right of your screen it shows an NBA Playoff logo.)
Athleticism:  8/10

Overall:  8.2

2.  Dr. J on Cooper – 1983 NBA Finals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbQKzTg0SPI&feature=related

’83 NBA Finals.  76ers wanting redemption for losing in the ’80 Finals.  Dr. J performing his best dunk, hands down.  Home arena.  Top five easily.

Overall score:

Aesthetics:  8.5/10
Foul?  No.
Atmosphere:  10/10
Athleticism:  7.5/10

Overall:  8.6

1.  Vince Carter on Frederic Weis – 2000 Summer Olympics. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMrPjl-927Q

The dunk to end all dunks.  It is said that if anyone talks bad of it will be haunted by Weis’ humiliated spirit.  To top it all off, it was the same year that VC won the Slam Dunk Contest.  Best year for dunk history.  Ever.

Overall score:

Aesthetics:  5/10  Oh, please don’t haunt me.  I just never found the dunk ‘pretty’.
Foul?  No.
Atmosphere:  8/10
Athleticism: 25/10

Overall: 12.6/10

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