The Top Ten Dunk Contest Reactions of All Time

We all know how awesome the Dunk Contest can be when it’s at its best.  Watching these ridiculous feats of athleticism and creativity is often the highlight of NBA All-Star Weekend.  Some performances are among the best in NBA history for pure entertainment value (see Carter, Vince).  When the contestants bring it, the Dunk Contest is phenomenal.

One of my favorite parts that is overlooked is the reactions of the announcers or spectators.  Nothing punctuates a vicious dunk like 20,000 people screaming “OHHHHHHHH” at the same time.  The commentators can add or detract from the moment in a big way.  The guys on the sidelines add something as well.

Here, in no particular order, are the greatest dunk reactions ever.

He’s sick!

Listen to Kenny Smith (by far the greatest Dunk Contest announcer ever) wax poetic on this Desmond Mason throwdown in the finals against Jason Richardson in 2003.

Air Envy

Here’s Richardson’s retort, one of the greatest dunks ever.  Michael Jordan’s reaction is at :23.  You can tell he’s being a jealous, smug dick about it. As a bonus, check out the entire gang of NBA players run onto the court in celebration.

What’s the line for?

Josh Smith brings the crew from amazement to bewilderment in a matter of seconds.

This is Awkward Part I

Charles Barkley keeps things entertaining while we watch Nate Robinson flounder (fast forward to 18:10)…

This is Awkward Part II

…while Chris Andersen is just…blatantly laughed at!

Reggie Downer

Nate Robinson jumps over Dwight Howard, who is a foot (!) taller, for this dunk, and Reggie Miller immediately sucks the air out of the whole thing with his whiny routine.  Thankfully he stopped doing dunk contests.

Superman!

Dwight Howard had some spectacular dunks, and none was better than this one. The reactions run the emotional gamut.  I love Dikembe Mutombo’s cape reaction, Kenny’s Superman theme sung in the key of L, followed by Magic’s “NBA ENNERTAIMENT AT ISS BESS!” Skip to 3:00 for the fun to begin.

Wha?…Huh?…WHAT?!?!

When Vince Carter threw down the Elbow Dunk, I think the entire world had the same reaction: confusion followed by the realization that they just saw something incredible.  I can just imagine the team of judges, the announcing crew, the crowd, and the home audience sitting mouth agape in unison for those first few seconds.

OH MY GOD!

No, that wasn’t Chuck’s reaction to Andre Iguodala’s behind-the-back dunk, it was Damon Jones’ wardrobe choice.

Wait, what did he just say?

Can you imagine if Rick Barry (the WORST dunk contest announcer of all time) had said this today?  He’d be in sensitivity training as we speak.

 

Not sure when this is from, but its classic:

There you have it.  I can’t wait to see what Kenny and the crew says when James “Flight” White repeats his performance from the Turkish dunk contest.

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