The dunk is one of basketball's most electrifying moves — a moment of dominance and flair. Today, it fuels highlights, swings momentum and can define a player. But it wasn't always that way.

Jordan credits Julius Erving for inspiring his legendary free-throw line dunk that sealed the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest.

Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung dunks over a car during the slam dunk contest at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday night festivities Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in San Francisco.