Last year’s NBA Slam Dunk competition in New Orleans was magical, this year’s edition that took place Saturday night in Phoenix alas was not. Last year’s event brought back memories of the Doctor, MJ, and Dominique, this year’s evoked memories of Spud Webb. New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson in an all green Knickerbockers uniform (very strange) defeated last year’s Champion Dwight Howard by literally leaping over him to capture the 2009 NBA Slam Dunk Competition crown.
Going into this competition there was a feeling that it would take a lot to top last year’s theatrics, when the Orlando Magic center captivated the world dressed as Superman to get the title. This year seemed like a sequel to a movie that should never had been made. The special effects budget had increased, this year Howard had a phone booth (has anyone in the USA under the age of 30 ever seen a phone booth outside of the movies and or TV?) But it never recaptured the flair or the drama of last year.
Robinson won the crowds approval by jumping over the Magic center on his way to a dunk. J.R. Smith from the Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers rookie Rudy Fernandez were eliminated in the first round.