NBA All-Star Weekend: 5 memorable, rim-rattling efforts from the Slam Dunk contest

CHICAGO — Dwight Howard will return to the AT&T Slam Dunk contest during NBA All-Star Weekend, hoping to recapture the magic that enabled him to win the title in 2008.

Howard, now with the Lakers, won the event while playing for the Orlando Magic. Saturday night at the United Center in Chicago, he will face two previous runners-up: Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic and Derrick Jones of the Miami Heat. Rounding out the foursome is Pat Connaughton of the Milwaukee Bucks, who is making his debut in the contest.

There have been some wonderful showdowns in one of the more popular events during NBA All-Star Weekend. Here are five to remember:

Spud Webb, 1986

He stood just 5 feet, 7 inches, but Webb became the shortest person ever to win the dunk contest. Webb stood tall against 6-foot-8 Dominique Wilkins, connecting on two perfect (50-point) dunks in the final, including one he bounced off the backboard to himself.

Vince Carter, 2000

Carter told judge Kenny Smith he had four dunks no one had ever seen. He wasn’t kidding. Carter performed a 360-degree reverse windmill dunk and also a slam where he put his entire forearm through the rim.

Blake Griffin, 2011

Players have dunked over opponents before, but Griffin completed his drive to the basket over a Kia. Griffin took a lob from Baron Davis -- who set up Griffin by tossing the ball out of the car’s sunroof.

Glenn Robinson III, 2017

Jump over one man? No problem. Jump over one man on another one’s shoulder? Now you’re talking. Robinson jumped over both men and finished his dunk with a reverse windmill. Made it look easy, too.

Michael Jordan, 1988

Jordan’s final-round duel against Dominique Wilkins has been called the greatest of the Slam Dunk contests. It’s easy to see why.

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