This week, the Goals on Film team discussed 1992 basketball comedy-drama, White Men Can't Jump. Starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, it follows two streetball hustlers, who enter into a two-on-two tournament, with the pair trying to prove themselves - including Billy Hoyle being able to dunk.
As basketball fans, we're always on the lookout for moments that make us leap from our seats, and there's nothing quite like a thunderous slam dunk to do just that.
From high-flying acrobatics to posterising defenders, the NBA has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping dunks. Today, we bring you the seven best dunks in NBA history. Prepare to be amazed!
Michael Jordan's "Free Throw Line" Dunk - 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
No list of epic dunks would be complete without this iconic moment. Michael Jordan left spectators in awe when he launched himself from the free-throw line and slammed the ball through the hoop. With his Air Jordan sneakers and unmatched hang time, MJ's dunk remains one of the most memorable in NBA history.
Vince Carter's "Dunk of Death" - Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics
Vince Carter, aka "Vinsanity", solidified his status as one of the game's best dunkers when he literally jumped over 7'2" French centre Frederic Weis during the 2000 Olympics. The dunk was so incredible that it earned the nickname the "Dunk of Death," and it still sends chills down our spines today.
Julius Erving's "Baseline Scoop" - 1980 NBA Finals
Dr J, as he was known, pulled off one of the most acrobatic dunks of all time in Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals. Erving drove the baseline, seemingly levitating as he scooped the ball under the backboard and brought it back up for an improbable reverse slam. The move has been imitated but never duplicated.
LeBron James' "Dunk on Jason Terry" - 2013 NBA Regular Season
In a regular season game between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, LeBron James added to his highlight reel with a monstrous alley-oop dunk over Jason Terry. The forceful slam, combined with Terry's helpless reaction, made this dunk an instant classic.
Blake Griffin's "Mozgov Dunk" - 2010 NBA Regular Season
In his rookie season, Blake Griffin showed the world what he was capable of when he posterised Timofey Mozgov with a ferocious one-handed slam. Griffin's dunk was so powerful that it sent Mozgov stumbling backward, cementing the moment as one of the most brutal posterisations in NBA history.
Dominique Wilkins' "Windmill Dunk" - 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
The "Human Highlight Film" delivered a dazzling windmill dunk during the 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, displaying his incredible athleticism and showmanship. Dominique Wilkins' powerful windmill has become a standard-bearer for aspiring dunkers and a fan-favourite highlight.
Dwyane Wade's "Dunk on Anderson Varejão - 2009 Regular Season
Dwyane Wade's incredible dunk on Anderson Varejão in 2009 showcased his explosive leaping ability and knack for posterising defenders. Wade drove into the paint, rose above Varejão, and slammed the ball down with authority. The dunk remains a testament to Wade's fearlessness and athleticism.
The NBA has given us countless unforgettable dunks, and these seven moments represent the pinnacle of high-flying excellence. As the game continues to evolve, we can only imagine the gravity-defying feats that future players will achieve, but for now, these dunks stand as some of the best the league has ever seen.
To listen to this discussion - including how Woody Harrelson hustled Wesley Snipes on set with regards to his dunk - and more, listen to this week's episode of Goals on Film, 2008 basketball comedy=drama, White Men Can't Jump, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.