The slam dunk is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and exciting moves in all of sports. It’s a feat of pure athleticism that sends crowds (and players) into a frenzy any time one is thrown down.
In 1976, professional basketball chose to celebrate the dunk and all its glory during the sport’s All-Star Game weekend. The first Slam Dunk Contest was held by the American Basketball Association and was won by Julius Irving — but the league’s merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) caused the contest to take a hiatus until 1984.
Kelsey Driscoll 