The 2022 nba slam dunk contest 2022 captivated the audience with an exhilarating display of athletic prowess and creativity. The event took place on February 19th, during the NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland. I remember it clearly; there were four contestants: Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks, Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Juan Toscano-Anderson from the Golden State Warriors, and finally, Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. Each player brought a unique set of skills and creativity to the forefront, aiming to claim the coveted title.
Obi Toppin stood out among the competitors with his incredible 48-inch vertical leap, which showcased his sheer athleticism. His dunks were a blend of power and finesse, capturing the crowd's admiration. He pulled off a between-the-legs dunk that had jaws dropping. This dunk not only showcased his vertical leap but also his timing and coordination, essential qualities in a standout dunker. You could feel the electricity in the air, much like during the 2000 contest when Vince Carter put on a legendary performance that people still talk about today.
Cole Anthony, known more for his ball-handling skills, surprised many with his dunking abilities. He brought a cultural element to the contest by donning his father Greg Anthony's old jersey, blending nostalgia with his modern twist. Cole's first dunk, where he put on Timberland boots before taking off, was a nod to his New York roots. This blend of creativity and athleticism—attempting a 46-inch vertical jump in heavy boots—almost felt like an homage to the streetball culture that has produced so many great NBA players. It brought a lot of buzz online.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, not a household name like the others, brought an element of grit and determination. Toscano-Anderson's journey from undrafted free agent to NBA Slam Dunk contestant resonated with many fans. His first dunk attempted to replicate Vince Carter's famous "elbow dunk" from the 2000 Dunk Contest. Toscano-Anderson reached approximately 10 feet to pull it off but couldn't quite finish it as smoothly. Still, the attempt itself showed his fearlessness and wish to pay homage to the greats of the past.
Jalen Green, a rookie phenom, brought an electrifying edge to the competition with his perfect blend of agility and power. His first dunk was a windmill performed after spinning 360 degrees in the air. The technique was flawless, combined with his 45-inch vertical leap, making it one of the highlight dunks of the night. One can draw a parallel to the 2016 contest where Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon pushed each other to new heights, creating one of the most memorable show's history.
The judging panel consisted of five former NBA stars—Dominique Wilkins, Isiah Thomas, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler, and Spud Webb—adding their own flair and expertise. Each dunk received a score out of 50, with the highest-rated advancing to the final round. Numbers don't lie when Toscano-Anderson and Toppin emerged as the finalists, each having scored above 90 in the preliminary rounds. The former NBA stars brought credibility and history to the table, influencing the young contestants with their comments and scores.
In the final round, Obi Toppin and Juan Toscano-Anderson went head-to-head. Toppin's final dunk involved bouncing the ball off the glass before slamming it home with authority. It earned him a score of 47 out of 50. Toscano-Anderson's last dunk, in which he attempted a 360-degree windmill dunk, fell short as he couldn't complete the slam. He scored a 39, making Toppin the winner with a combined score of 97 from the final round, proving once again that consistency and precision are key components in winning a slam dunk contest.
Thinking back, the 2022 contest might not have reached the heights of some of the more legendary events, like the 2016 duel between LaVine and Gordon or Vince Carter's unforgettable 2000 performance. However, it did offer its nuggets of brilliance and creativity. Whether you judge the event by its spectacular feats or the nostalgic elements, there's no denying it provided a fitting spectacle to the All-Star weekend. Every dunk stood as a testament to the creativity, skill, and athletic prowess that define the NBA.