In basketball history, certain moments shine brighter than others. They reveal the human side of sports icons. An NBA legend, who topped Michael Jordan in the 1985 dunk contest, recently reflected on a pivotal juncture of his career. It showcased his genuine passion for the game. A candid conversation on Vlad TV unveiled a surprising truth about his initial approach to the slam dunk contest—one that involved his idol, Dr. J.

Let’s dive into the star-studded dunk contest saga and check out what the legend has to say.

A legendary era of slam-dunking remembered by Atlanta Hawks legend

Dominique Wilkins, the Human Highlight Reel, was having a conversation on Vlad TV. He talked about a lot of interesting things. However, a striking contrast emerged between the slam dunk contests of yesteryears and the present.

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Wilkins highlighted how in the early 1980s, the marquee players of the NBA embraced the challenge of the slam dunk contest. This was a time when household names like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson didn’t shy away from showcasing their aerial prowess.

Reflecting on his first foray into the slam dunk contest in 1984, Wilkins admitted that his initial mindset was far from what one might expect from a fierce competitor.

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He recalled, “I wasn’t really into it because I’m watching my idol go head to head. You know with the best dunkers in the league and that’s Dr. J“. The presence of his idol, Dr. J (Julius Erving), cast a shadow that temporarily dampened Wilkins’ competitive fire.

Transforming awe into a victory against Michael Jordan

The following year, he returned to the slam dunk contest with renewed determination. His awe for Dr. J had transformed into a burning desire to claim victory for himself.

The Atlanta Hawks legend admitted that he competed in the contest “not to the level I did the following year.”

However, he was all business in the 1985 dunk contest. Wilkins secured victory by earning perfect scores on two dunks in the final round, defeating rookie Michael Jordan with a score of 147-136.

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Dominique Wilkins’ honest revelation about his experience in his first slam dunk contest offers a different perspective on NBA players. He went from being starstruck in the presence of his idol to channeling that inspiration into a fierce competitive spirit.

Wilkins’ journey from being a fanboy to a relentless contender shows the evolution of his mindset.