LOS ANGELES — The 2018 Verizon Slam Dunk contest featured many thrilling dunks that made for some fantastic photos that you may be seeing on posters soon.
Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell, Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr., Pacers All-Star Victor Oladipo and Mavs rookie Dennis Smith Jr. put on a show for the fans at Staples Center before Mitchell won the entire thing with a tribute to legendary dunker Vince Carter.
Here are photos that cover the most memorable moments — Mitchell leaping over Kevin Hart, Mitchell’s Carter tribute dunk and celebration, Nance honoring his father, and Oladipo dunking in a Black Panther mask.
1. Donovan Mitchell jumping over his sister, Kevin Hart and Hart’s son
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Video:
2. Donovan Mitchell’s tribute to Vince Carter
AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Video:
3. The post-Vince Carter dunk celebration
AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
4. Donovan Mitchell celebrating after beating Larry Nance Jr. in the final
Do you think Nance was robbed, though?
AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
5. Donovan Mitchell enjoying his new trophy
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
6. Larry Nance Jr. dunking while wearing his dad’s uniform
Nance did a fantastic job of honoring his dad, the 1984 Slam Dunk champ.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Video:
7. Victor Oladipo putting on the Black Panther mask…
Oladipo actually got the mask from Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who was sitting courtside. The movie was just recently released.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
8. …to throw down a dunk!
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Video: