In a recent revelation that has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, Dominique Wilkins has opened up about his loss to Michael Jordan in the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
The contest, held in Chicago, has been a topic of debate among NBA fans for decades. In an exclusive interview with ‘Vlad TV‘ podcast DJ Vlad, Wilkins shared his perspective on that fateful night.
Dominique Wilkins is renowned for his gravity-defying, rim-shaking dunks. However, it was his showdown with His Airness in the 1988 dunk contest that remains etched in his memory. The stage was set for an epic battle between two basketball legends.
Michael Jordan won the 1988 dunk contest against Dominique Wilkins with an iconic free throw line dunk that remains one of the greatest in the event’s history#NBA #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/qyx87kXueo
— The Jordan Rules (@Rules23Jordan) June 14, 2022
Wilkins started strong with two perfect 50-point dunks, leaving the crowd in awe of his athleticism. But then came a pivotal moment. On his third attempt, Wilkins received a 45-point score for his dunk, and the crowd’s excitement turned into a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.
On the other side of the court, Jordan had a rocky start, missing his first attempt at the free-throw line dunk. The tension in the arena was noticeable as the judges conferred. To the surprise of many, the Bulls star was granted another chance. Notably, he seized it with determination.
Dominique Wilkins believed that Michael Jordan won because the contest was in Chicago
Wilkins recalled “One of my best dunks, and when I got a 45, I looked up like, uh-oh, you know it’s coming next”. He continued, “Actually, he [Michael Jordan] had two attempts at the free-throw line. He missed the first, and I thought the dunk contest was over”.
Furthermore, he said, “They were like, ‘No, no, he got one more.’ That was the famous free-throw line dunk that he attempted twice”. His second attempt at the free-throw line dunk was a testament to his incredible skill and athleticism.
Even Wilkins himself acknowledges the impressiveness of the feat, considering the distance involved. As the Celtics star reflected on that memorable contest, he shared a crucial insight, saying, “We were in Chicago, right? That’s what happened. That was the issue, you know.”
It’s a sentiment that echoes what many fans have speculated for years. Therefore, the contest’s location played a pivotal role in determining the winner. Additionally, in the same interview, Wilkins also disclosed his experience with Michael’s legendary locker room stories.
The 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will forever be etched in basketball history. Jordan emerged victorious with a score of 147-145 against Wilkins. The contest is remembered not only for its thrilling competition but also for Jordan‘s iconic free-throw line dunk, which secured his victory.
While Wilkins delivered a spectacular two-handed windmill dunk, it fell short of the perfection Jordan achieved with his free-throw line dunk, earning him a perfect 50 from the judges.