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A look back at Michael Jordan's controversial win in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
The legend of Michael Jeffrey Jordan was built on his otherworldly skill to levitate and perform feats of aerial artistry never before seen on a basketball court. As a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, the Chicago Bulls icon solidified his reputation among the greatest dunkers ever by winning his second trophy in 1988 when the All-Star festivities took place in Chicago.
It was a fantastic duel with fellow high-flyer Dominique Wilkins, who put together an incredible performance. But despite his display of power and grace, Wilkins would walk away with the silver medal as Jordan was awarded the victory by the slimmest of margins in a highly controversial decision.
Dubious final score for Wilkins' final dunk
Jordan and Wilkins battled in the final round and the two got perfect scores of 50 on their first dunks. Their second and final attempts were when things got a little awkward. For his second dunk, Wilkins unleashed a ferocious windmill slam that rocked the Chicago Stadium and everyone in attendance.
"I said, 'I got it.' Because I thought my last dunk was my best dunk. I knew my last dunk that I'm going to get a 50. It was just a two-hand windmill off two feet. And I brought it from my knees. It ain't too many guys who can do that," said Wilkins.
However, the judges included:
- Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers
- Los Angeles Dodgers Vice President Tom Hawkins (a Chicago native)
- Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich
- former NBA player and Dunbar High alum Johnny Green
-former NBA player Randy Smith
Much to Wilkins' chagrin, they gave him a 45.
"I got a 45. And I'm like, 'Uh oh. Is the fix in?' I knew I was in trouble. I would've been happy with a 47 or 48. But a 45? C'mon, man," said Wilkins.
Jordan claimed the trophy
Sensing that he had an opening to win it all, Jordan pulled off something sensational to claim the victory. He jumped from the free-throw line and slammed it home, earning a perfect score of 50.
"I was nervous, the only time in the contest I was nervous. I knew I needed something really spectacular to win. I was searching the crowd for something to do. Then, I saw the man who started it all, Julius Erving. He indicated to me I should go the length of the floor and take off from the free-throw line," Jordan said in a talk with the reporters after the contest.
However, deep down, Jordan knew that being in his home city probably played a role in the win. According to Wilkins, Jordan told him:
"He [Jordan] said 'Hey, you know, you probably won. You know it; I know it. But hey, you in Chicago. What can I tell you?'"
