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History of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Zach LaVine dedicates Dunk Contest win to late coach Flip Saunders

After besting Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon at the highly contested 2016 Dunk Contest, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine dedicated the win to his late coach, Flip Saunders.
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After beating Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon at the highly contested 2016 Dunk Contest, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine dedicated the win to his late coach, Flip Saunders.

Saunders passed away on Oct. 25 at the age of 60 after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The Timberwolves announced that the coach and team president had been diagnosed with the disease in August.

LaVine was drafted by Saunders with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft out of UCLA. He spent one full season playing under his first coach, before losing him just before the start of this season.

• GOLLIVER: LaVine-Gordon battle make 2016 one of the best contests ever

LaVine’s dedication also extended to the Saunders family. 

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