The 2023 NBA All-Star has commenced, and over the years, it has showcased some of the best talents. The Dunk Contest in the last 2 years hasn’t been able to live up to the hype. Last year’s Dunk contest was a bust, as many NBA stars claimed. However, the contest has had some of the best moments during the All-Star Weekend. Nonetheless, the contest was graced by Aaron Gordon, who put up stunning displays in 2016 and 2020, however, he didn’t win the contest.
Currently playing for the Denver Nuggets, Gordon will not be participating in the contest this year. Gordon didn’t participate in the last 2 editions after his second loss in 2020 at the Dunk contest. Gordon lost to Derrick Jones Jr. of the Miami Heat. In 2016, Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine battled for the title. It was a scintillating display from Gordon who lost marginally to Lavine. The 2016 edition of the contest is one of the best, and some even agree that Gordon should’ve won it.
3 years ago today, Aaron Gordon got ROBBED of the Dunk Contest title 😤
(via @SportsCenter)pic.twitter.com/wFEosZDID9
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 15, 2023
In 2020, Gordon brought his A-game for the contest, and it had everyone on their toes. Gordon called Taco Fall who is 7 feet 5 inches, for the contest. Gordon initially wanted to go with Shaquille O’Neal, however, the Los Angeles Lakers legend declined the invitation. So, Gordon went with Fall, and almost dunked over him, who needed 49 points to take the title. He failed to jump over Fall, and slightly missed it, the judges gave him 47 points. Jones Jr. edged the Magic’s man by 48-47.
Was Aaron Gordon robbed?
Gordon put up fabulous performances in both the 2016 and 2020 Dunk Contest. However, he has a right to feel robbed in the 2016 edition after Zach Lavine took the title. In the 2020 edition, he had a perfect score of 50 in 5 consecutive dunks. To top it off, he jumped over a 7’5 Taco Fall in his first attempt. Nonetheless, Derrick Jones Jr. walked off with the trophy. Derrick was good in his own right, however, Gordon feels he got robbed, twice.
Aaron Gordon says he feels like he should have two trophies and likely won’t do the dunk contest again.
(via @Rachel__Nichols) pic.twitter.com/OET4do20dC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2020
Gordon spoke after yet another loss at the Dunk Contest, “I feel like I should have 2 trophies, I still feel like one of the best if not the best dunker in the world.” Said, Gordon. He was asked if he would be making it a third time to see him put up another amazing display of his talent. “I don’t think so, this will be my 4th time, so the third time was a charm… I don’t think I’m going do it again.” Said, Gordon after the contest was over.
Whatever the case may be, one thing is for certain, Aaron Gordon is one of the best dunkers at the Contest. It was a shame to see him get beat for a second time in a controversial decision.