Listen Live
97.9 The Box Featured Video
CLOSE

jordan

I can’t front. I had really lost interest in the NBA Slam Dunk contest over the last couple of years. Mainly because none of the NBA’s bigger stars no longer participate in the contest. Gone are the days of Kobe, LeBron, Dwight Howard or Blake Griffin showcasing their athletic prowess instead its a bunch of guys you’ve never heard.

Ever.

This years contest featured Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic, Mason Plumlee of the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine.

Not exactly a who’s who of rim rockers. But I did appreciate the “get to know” vignettes which presented a behind the scene look at each player. So when 19-year-old Zach LaVine said he was a huge Michael Jordan fan after seeing the movie Space Jam and would practice dunks on 7-foot goals until he was able to do it on regulation goals I was a bit impressed.

When LaVine eventually took the court to reveal a Michael Jordan Space Jam jersey for his first dunk I was a bit nervous for him because I thought he was putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on himself. I mean c’mon if you are gonna rock the jersey of the NBA’s greatest player you have have to live it up.

LaVine delivered and more. Don’t believe me just watch.

After getting a perfect score on his Space Jam dunk he back doored it with another spectacular slam.

Thank you Zach for restoring my faith in the slam dunk contest with this incredible performance.