A decade later, the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon remains the gold standard—a high-flying showdown that still sparks debates and leaves fans in awe. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Aaron Gordon truly robbed of the title, or did Zach LaVine rightfully claim the crown? Let’s dive into the details and relive the magic that has fans arguing to this day.
Aaron Gordon’s jaw-dropping dunks in Toronto’s 2016 All-Star Weekend contest are still the stuff of legend. Yet, despite his breathtaking performances, he walked away without the trophy. And this is the part most people miss: While many claim Gordon was robbed of the win, the truth is far more nuanced. Yes, he was undeniably shortchanged on a perfect score for one of his dunks, but to say he was robbed of the entire contest ignores the sheer brilliance Zach LaVine brought to the court that night.
For ten years, fans have debated whether Gordon deserved the title. But here’s my take: LaVine’s victory was just as justified as Gordon’s would have been. This isn’t about semantics or fighting perceived injustices—it’s about acknowledging two athletes who pushed the boundaries of what’s humanly possible. Bold claim? Maybe. But consider this: LaVine’s performance was a masterclass in creativity and athleticism, relying less on props and more on raw talent. His dunks were incendiary, innovative, and undeniably legendary.
After the lackluster team-based format of 2014, LaVine’s 2015 victory reignited the dunk contest’s spark, reminding everyone what elite dunking looks like. By 2016, both he and Gordon were ready to set the court ablaze. Their first dunks were mere warm-ups—Gordon’s between-the-legs twist earned a 45 (though it deserved a 50), while LaVine’s reverse dunk from the three-point line secured a perfect score. But it was in the second round that opinions began to split.
Controversy alert: Dunks involving jumping over a person or mascot divide fans. While Gordon’s leap over the Orlando mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon, was jaw-dropping, some argue he used the mascot as a stabilizing force. LaVine, on the other hand, caught an alley-oop from the free-throw line—a move so creative it was overlooked by broadcasters. Both earned 49s, but the debate rages on: Does athleticism trump creativity, or vice versa?
The championship round turned up the heat. Gordon’s dunks with Stuff were mesmerizing, especially his Karl Malone-inspired windmill. But LaVine countered with a more challenging variation, sans props. Here’s the kicker: While Gordon’s showmanship was undeniable, LaVine’s ability to execute complex dunks without assistance showcased a different kind of brilliance.
The final rounds were nothing short of iconic. Gordon’s lounge-style dunk, where he sat mid-air before slamming it home, is arguably the greatest dunk ever seen in a contest. Yet, LaVine’s full windmill from the free-throw line was equally mind-blowing. By the tiebreaker, both athletes ditched the props, showcasing pure athleticism. Gordon’s jackknife windmill and LaVine’s reverse dunk from behind the backboard left the crowd breathless. But here’s the real theft: Gordon’s final dunk, a double-pump reverse, deserved a 50 but only received a 47. Was he robbed of a perfect score? Absolutely. But did LaVine’s between-the-legs slam from just inside the free-throw line deserve his winning 50? Without a doubt.
In the end, both athletes deserved to win. The contest peaked that night, and its legacy remains untouchable. Thought-provoking question: If the dunk contest were held today, could anyone come close to matching LaVine and Gordon’s greatness? Let’s revisit this debate in 2036 and see if the next generation can measure up. Until then, sign up for The Bounce (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-bounce/) to stay on top of all things NBA, delivered straight to your inbox.
