NBA Slam Dunk Competition Recap: John Wall Stars As East Ties West
John Wall is your new Sprite Dunk Contest champion. The fourth year Washington Wizards point guard, in the midst of his best season as a professional, beat out defending champion Terrence Ross for the title.
You may remember Ross' high-flying moves from last years' contest. Ross wrapped up the 2013 title with an array of "you gotta see it to believe it moves," including a behind-the-back 360 degree slam. Unfortunately for him, the Toronto Raptors swingman didn't wow the judges as much as last year.
Coming into this contest many people believed the dunk contest was getting a bit long in the tooth. So, the NBA changed up the dunk contest format for the 2014 All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. Unlike past dunk contests, where competitors competed against one another individually, this dunk contest had two elements to it. The individual contest stayed, but a team event was added as well. Three members from both the Eastern and Western Conference were teamed up.
John Wall won it all with a silky smooth, over-the-head, reverse dunk. You have to see it to believe it.
The Washington Post caught up with the newest "Dunk King" shortly after the competition ended. Here's what the All-Star had to say:
"It's a humbling experience for me, a great opportunity," said Wall. "It was a big moment for me."
Wall also thanked all his friends, family and fans for their continued support.
After Wall got the "W" former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson exclaimed, "John Wall just brought the dunk contest back." Fellow NBA hall of famer Julius Erving thought the same. He simply stated that the dunk contest "has returned."
And yes the players were there to win, but Wall didn't let the pressure get to him.
"Why not go out there and have fun?" Wall said. "I think it was a great opportunity for me to be in my first all-star to out there and show what I can do."
What a good attitude to have! Congrats John Wall.
Did you watch any of the All-Star game festivities this year on TNT? Let me know in the comments section below.