New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson led an upheaval on social media against the highly criticized judging of the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk competition on February 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Brunson was miffed after his rookie teammate Jacob Toppin was “robbed” of entering the finals against eventual back-to-back champion Mac McClung of the Orlando Magic’s G League team.
“I guess Jacob needed to jump over the shot clock to get higher than 46,” Brunson posted on X, formerly Twitter, following Toppin’s failed bid to enter the finals
Toppin’s second dunk — a 360-degree, between-the-legs dunk — only drew 47.2 from the five judges comprised of former NBA All-Stars Gary Payton, Mitch Richmond and ex-Slam Dunk champions Fred Jones, Darnell Hillman and Dominique Wilkins.
Boston Celtic’s Jaylen Brown beat Toppin to earn the right to challenge McClung in the finals with an underwhelming tribute to Dee Brown’s no-look dunk in 1991.
Brown’s Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum threw him an alley-oop pass then jumped over a sitting Kai Cenat, a popular American online streamer. The dunk became a lmaomeme as Brown only covered his eyes after making the dunk on his way down.
