Top 10 Greatest All Time Best Dunks in NBA History

Dunks have been a defining feature of basketball for many decades. In the early days of the NBA, dunking was considered a risky move. However, as players pushed the limits of creativity the dunk became a big part of the game. Beyond the highlight reels, dunks have shaped basketball culture right now.

There have been various iconic dunks including Michael Jordan’s free-throw line slam, Vince Carter’s Olympic dunk, and LeBron James’ many in-game slams. They have left massive impressions on basketball fans. These moments are more than just points on the scoreboard. They define eras, spark rivalries, and inspire several future athletes. The best dunks in NBA history are not only athletic achievements but also cultural milestones that continue to enhance the beauty of the sport.

10 Best Dunks in NBA History

There are many dunks happening on the basketball ground, but today we have curated a list of 10 historic NBA dunks that changed the course of the game.

#10. Ja Morant’s Dunk on Jakob Poeltl (2023)

On January 14, 2023, Ja Morant delivered one of the most ridiculous poster dunks in NBA history over Jakob Poeltl. He went driving past Tre Jones and shot off two feet inside the three-pointer line. Morant went flying over the 7-foot Poeltl and threw down a dirty one-handed slam. The arena erupted, and social media instantly crowned it a Dunk of the Year candidate.

The play showcased Morant’s unreal athleticism, fearlessness, and ability to take over a game with pure skill. The dunk cemented itself as one of the best basketball dunks ever. It further established Morant as one of the most electrifying players of his generation.

Also Read: Ranking 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time

#9. DeAndre Jordan’s Dunk on Brandon Knight (2013)

DeAndre Jordan’s alley-oop dunk over Brandon Knight in 2013 is considered one of the most brutal dunks in history. Off a perfect pass from Chris Paul, Jordan rose and threw down a huge dunk over Knight. It sent him crashing to the floor. The sheer violence of the dunk made it an instant classic.

The dunk solidified Jordan’s reputation as a dunking machine. To add to that it also turned Knight into a permanent meme. The reaction from the LA Clippers’ bench and the stunned arena further boosted the dunk’s legendary status. Even years later, this moment remains a defining highlight of Jordan’s career. It is often replayed as one of the most vicious slams in NBA history.

#8. Blake Griffin’s Dunk Over Timofey Mozgov (2010)

Blake Griffin’s dunk over Timofey Mozgov in 2010 was a huge moment. This dunk solidified him as one of the league’s most prominent players. Griffin caught an alley-oop but didn’t even need to touch the rim. He simply threw the ball through the hoop over Mozgov’s head. This “dunk throw” became a signature move for Griffin as it showcased his ridiculous leaping ability and strength.

It was one of the first in a series of monster slams that made Griffin a household name. It was the sheer power that stunned the crowd at Staples Center, as Griffin seemingly went flying over the 7-foot-1 Knicks center.

7. Derrick Rose’s Dunk on Goran Dragić (2010)

Derrick Rose’s dunk over Goran Dragić in 2010 was just immaculate. It was a stunning display of vigor and power from a point guard. Rose burst past defenders, took flight, and threw down a ferocious one-handed slam over Dragić. The dunk left commentators and fans in disbelief and it reinforced Rose’s status as one of the most athletic guards in NBA history.

It remains one of the greatest point guard dunks ever. This dunk was the highlight of Rose’s prime before injuries slowed his career. What was more unique about this dunk was that it was a one-foot takeoff at full speed. Derrick finished with an emphatic right-handed poster dunk.

#6. Kobe Bryant’s Reverse Slam vs. Timberwolves (2003)

Kobe Bryant comes in 6th position with his historic dunk in a 2003 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a reverse slam that showcased his athleticism and flair. Driving past his defender, he took off with perfect body control and twisted mid-air for a smooth, powerful finish. The dunk wasn’t just a highlight, it was a momentum-shifting play that energized the Lakers and left fans in awe of what they just witnessed.

Its creativity and hang time further cemented his reputation as a player who blended artistry with dominance. It was executed so effortlessly that it became one of Kobe’s most iconic in-game slams.

#5. Shaquille O’Neal Bringing Down the Rim Vs. New Jersey Nets (1993)

Shaquille O’Neal demonstrated his sheer dominance early in his career by bringing down an entire basketball hoop during a 1993 game against the New Jersey Nets. Shaq received an entry pass as a rookie. He turned and dunked with such force that the backboard shattered, and the hoop support collapsed. This didn’t just happen once as he broke multiple backboards during his career.

This eventually forced the NBA to reinforce rims and structures. His overwhelming physicality changed how teams defended big men and it also altered the league’s approach to equipment durability.

#4. Dominique Wilkins’ Windmill Dunks (1985 & 1988 Dunk Contests)

In the 1985 and 1988 Slam Dunk Contests, Dominique Wilkins solidified his signature windmill dunks. His 1985 performance, featuring explosive two-handed windmills, earned him the title over Michael Jordan. It showcased his unmatched vertical and ferociousness.

In 1988, he reignited his rivalry with Jordan as he delivered thunderous windmills that emphasized his strength and hang time. His team narrowly lost in a controversial decision. Wilkins’ windmills were not just dunks. They were statements of dominance, defining his persona as a “Human Highlight Film” and leaving a mark on dunk contest history.

Also Read: Top 10 Games with the Most Overtimes in NBA History

#3. LeBron James’ Dunk on Jason Terry (2013)

LeBron James’ devastating alley-oop dunk over Jason Terry during a 2013 game between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics is one of the most memorable in-game dunks ever. Following a turnover, the Heat launched a fast break, and Norris Cole passed the ball to LeBron, who went flying over Terry and threw it down with authority.

Terry had a history of trash-talking LeBron. Thus, the dunk felt more personal and symbolic of Miami’s dominance. Terry was left lying on the floor as the crowd erupted. It made for one of the most disrespectful poster dunks in NBA history.

#2. Michael Jordan’s Free-Throw Line Dunk (1988 Dunk Contest)

Michael Jordan’s free-throw line dunk in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most recognizable moments in NBA history. He was facing off against Dominique Wilkins in the final round and he needed a perfect score to win. He sprinted from the opposite side of the court, took off from the free-throw line, and glided through the air before slamming the ball down.

The elegance and hang-time made it legendary, not only winning him the contest but also carrying his brand image. This dunk became a signature moment in his career and inspired generations of future players. This dunk helped define Jordan’s Air Jordan brand. It made his legacy as a showman.

#1. Vince Carter’s 2000 Olympic Dunk (“Dunk of Death”)

Vince Carter’s dunk over 7’2″ Frédéric Weis during the 2000 Olympics remains one of the most iconic slam dunks in basketball history. He was playing for Team USA against France. The most intriguing thing about it was that he seized an opportunity in transition, leaped completely over Weis, and slammed the ball home. The dunk sent shockwaves through the basketball world and became a defining moment in international play.

It humiliated Weis and earned Carter the nickname “Dunk of Death” in France. It solidified his legacy as one of the greatest dunkers ever. His ability to reach such heights in an actual game remains unmatched.

Also Read: Ranking The Biggest Comebacks in NBA History Of All Time