Watch: Zach LaVine wins Slam Dunk Contest, beats Aaron Gordon
Reigning NBA Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine won the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest in spectacular fashion. He outlasted Aaron Gordon of the Magic after two dunk-offs, throwing down six dunks in total. You can take a look at his competition by watching Gordon’s slams here.
After entering to Drake’s “Back to Back,” and greeting the Toronto-based rapper, LaVine was set to wake up the building.
• GOLLIVER: Dunk grades: SI scores every slam from 2016’s classic contest
In front of a hushed and anxious crowd, LaVine went behind-the-back and swept his right arm toward the rim to throw down an insane dunk.
The reaction was incredible.
For his second dunk, he took off from just inside the free-throw line.
For his third dunk, LaVine cuffed the ball in his hands for a 360.
Then, he went back to the free throw line for a windmill dunk.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1W3nepufrk]
After a strong jam from Gordon off the side of the backboard, LaVine answered by starting from behind the glass to match his 50 and keep the contest alive.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEa4MQySbf4]
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He then sealed the deal with a long-distance between-the-legs dunk.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gL63qfVSIo]
That was one insane Slam Dunk Contest. Here’s to hoping LaVine and Gordon are back next year.
