Who Dunked Over Jordan? Unpacking Rare Moments Of Airborne Greatness
When you think about Michael Jordan, images of him soaring through the air, ball in hand, usually come to mind. He was, quite frankly, a master of aerial attacks, leaving defenders in his wake. His highlight reels are filled with incredible dunks, often over some of the biggest names in basketball history. Yet, even the greatest of players had moments where they were on the other side of a spectacular play. It is, you know, a very rare occurrence, but it did happen.
For fans who watched him play, seeing Jordan on the receiving end of a posterizing dunk was like catching a glimpse of a solar eclipse. It just did not happen often. People still talk about these plays decades later, a testament to how dominant Jordan was. These moments, when someone managed to elevate and finish over the legendary number 23, became instant classics, etched into the memories of those who saw them.
So, who actually managed to pull off such a feat? Who, in the heat of a game, rose above Michael Jordan and slammed the ball through the hoop? It is a question that, in some respects, comes up in discussions about the sport's past. We will look at a couple of these truly unforgettable plays, the ones that, arguably, stand out the most.
- What Is The Las Vegas Raiders Over Under 2025
- Who Is The 26 Year Old Nfl Owner Dating
- Who Won The Most Super Bowls
- Did Heather Childers Get Married
- What Businesses Does Patrick Mahomes Own
Table of Contents
- John Starks: The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals Moment
- Grant Hill: A Soaring Putback in 1997
- The Rarity of the Occurrence
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dunks on Michael Jordan
John Starks: The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals Moment
One of the most talked-about instances of a player dunking over Michael Jordan involves John Starks of the New York Knicks. This play, quite honestly, is a cornerstone of Knicks history. It happened during the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals, a very intense series between two fierce rivals: the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. The atmosphere in those games was, you know, absolutely electric, filled with high stakes and tough play.
The Setting and the Play
The specific moment happened on May 25, 1993. The Knicks were trying to hold off the Bulls, who had, in some respects, erased a double-digit lead. The game was tight, and the tension was very high. John Starks, a player known for his fiery spirit and fearless approach, received the ball. He went baseline, a move that, arguably, caught the Bulls defenders off guard just a little.
What happened next became an instant highlight. Starks drove towards the basket, and as he elevated, he went right over not one, but two Bulls defenders. Those defenders were, actually, Michael Jordan himself and Horace Grant. Starks slammed the ball through the hoop with a force that seemed to shake the arena. It was a play that, quite simply, sealed a victory for the Knicks in that particular game. It was a big moment, that is for sure.
- What Nfl Team Has Never Won A Super Bowl
- What Church Does Sean Hannity Attend
- Is Hamlin Hamlin Mcgill Real
- Who Are The Black Female Nfl Owners
- Is Amanda Raus Married
Reactions and Lasting Impact
The dunk was immediately iconic. Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Frazier, and many other NBA stars have reflected on this dunk. They talk about it as one of the most memorable images in Knicks history. John Starks himself, apparently, did not think his slam dunk over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan was special at the time. It was not until people kept on asking him about it decades later that he realized its true significance. That is, you know, a pretty interesting thought.
The play is often replayed, particularly when discussions turn to the greatest Knicks moments. It stands as a powerful symbol of Starks's determination and the Knicks' never-say-die attitude against a Bulls team that, in a way, seemed invincible. It showed that even against the very best, moments of individual brilliance could shine through. This dunk, in short, became a legend in its own right, spoken about by fans and players alike, even today. Learn more about iconic NBA moments on our site.
Grant Hill: A Soaring Putback in 1997
Another notable instance of a player getting a highlight over Michael Jordan involves Grant Hill. This moment happened on May 13, 1997. Hill, playing for the Detroit Pistons, delivered a soaring putback dunk during a game against the Bulls. It was a play that, in some respects, truly showcased Hill's incredible athleticism and timing. He was, after all, known for his graceful yet powerful style of play.
Grant Hill has recounted this as one of his most iconic highlights against Michael Jordan. A putback dunk is already impressive, but to do it with Jordan in the vicinity, or even attempting to contest, adds another layer of difficulty and prestige. It was a quick, explosive move that, arguably, caught everyone off guard. The ball bounced off the rim, and Hill, with his characteristic spring, went up and hammered it back down before Jordan or any other defender could react. It was, you know, a truly remarkable athletic display.
These moments are special because Jordan rarely found himself in a position where someone could dunk over him. He was a formidable defender, with quick hands and an incredible vertical leap. So, for a player like Grant Hill to achieve such a feat speaks volumes about his own talent and the speed of the play. It is a moment that, quite simply, adds to the rich tapestry of NBA history. You can find more about legendary basketball players here.
The Rarity of the Occurrence
The fact that these two instances, the John Starks dunk and the Grant Hill putback, are so widely remembered tells a story. It speaks to the sheer dominance of Michael Jordan throughout his career. Most of the time, Jordan was the one doing the dunking, often over some of the biggest and strongest players in the league. He had, for instance, moments where he destroyed Patrick Ewing with a dunk in the 1991 NBA Playoffs. He also, you know, famously dunked over Dikembe Mutombo in 1997, even giving him a finger wag afterwards, which was a very bold move.
There was also a time in 1992 when Moses Malone, apparently, got parted like the Red Sea for one of Jordan's dunks. These are the types of plays people usually remember when thinking about Jordan and dunks. So, when someone managed to turn the tables, even for a split second, it became legendary. It just highlights how exceptional Jordan was as a player, that these few instances where he was on the receiving end became so incredibly famous. It is, you know, a very interesting dynamic to consider.
The scarcity of such moments makes them even more valuable in the annals of basketball history. They are a reminder that even the greatest athletes have moments where they are challenged, and that other players, too, possess incredible skill and athleticism. These dunks are not just about the players involved; they are about the sheer excitement and unpredictable nature of the game itself. They show that, even when you are watching a legend, there is always the chance for a surprise. You can watch some of these iconic dunks on the NBA's official video archives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunks on Michael Jordan
Did Michael Jordan ever get posterized?
Yes, Michael Jordan did, in fact, get posterized on a few occasions. The most famous instance, arguably, is the powerful dunk by John Starks of the New York Knicks during the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. Starks drove baseline and went over both Jordan and Horace Grant for a truly memorable slam. It is, you know, a moment that is still talked about quite a bit.
Who was John Starks?
John Starks was a guard for the New York Knicks, known for his intense play and fearless attitude. He was a key player for the Knicks during the 1990s, famous for his scoring and defensive tenacity. His dunk over Michael Jordan is, in short, one of the defining moments of his career and of Knicks history. He was, actually, a very important part of that team.
What was the most famous dunk on Michael Jordan?
The most famous dunk on Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the one by John Starks in the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. It is, you know, often replayed and discussed due to the high stakes of the game, the rivalry between the Bulls and Knicks, and the sheer power of the play itself. It was, arguably, a moment that really stood out.
- Is Matt Mcconaughey Catholic
- What Teams Are Going To Las Vegas In 2025
- What Percent Of Raiders Does Brady Own
- Does Mark Davis Own 100 Of The Raiders
- Is Any Nfl Player A Billionaire
Has Michael Jordan ever been dunked on? | Sports, Hip Hop & Piff - The Coli
I just Micheal Jordan dunked over someone : NBA2k
After Michael Jordan dunked over 6-foot-1 guard John Stockton, an angry
