2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest: Format and rules explained
With more eyes on the event than we’ve seen in years, the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend promises to be something special, especially the Slam Dunk Contest.
While there is always plenty of interest in the All-Star Game, one could easily argue that the highlight of the NBA’s weekend-long event is the Slam Dunk Contest and with this year’s edition seeing the likes of Jalen Brown participating, that argument has been given even more legitimacy.
Some things to note about the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Off the bat, we’ve got the defending champion Mac McClung. Described as a professional dunker, McClung is attempting to become the first participant to win back-to-back dunk contests since Zach LaVine did so back in the 2015-16 season. Speaking of the past, it’s got to be said that we haven’t seen this much hype about the contest since the days when superstars such as Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter took to the court. Indeed, that’s precisely why Jalen Brown’s participation makes things interesting.
As the first NBA All-Star to take part in the contest in many years, Brown’s presence will undoubtedly add an extra level of intrigue. Of course, so too will the involvement of the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jáquez Jr. who has been known to throw it down. You can get to know more about him here. As for what to expect from this year’s contest, if we’re honest it’s hard to see McClung being dethroned. Despite the fact that Brown will add a level of athleticism to the field that’s previously been missing, McClung is gifted when it comes to dunking. Truth be told, he’s already impressed us and we haven’t seen half of his reservoir of dunks, something that’s been evidenced by him saying he intends to attempt three dunks that have never been seen. At this point, all we can say is enjoy the show.
So, how does the NBA Slam Dunk Contest work?
Before settling in for the show, it’s probably a good idea to take a look at the rules and regulations of the Slam Dunk Contest. Below you can see just how things are about to go down in the 2024 edition:
- Four players will compete in a two-round competition.
- Five judges will score each dunk based on a score ranging from 40-50.
- The two dunkers with the highest combined scores from their first two dunks advance to the finals.
- The final round will consist of two dunks by each dunker, with the highest composite score being crowned the champion.
- In the event of a tie, there will be one additional round of dunks. If the event is still tied, then the judges will be empowered to