Hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan is a global cultural icon. And today, we are looking at Michael Jordan’s top 10 dunks of his career!
The [calculate_year datestring=”02/17/1963″] year-old Jordan, also famously known as MJ, was drafted by the Chicago Bulls third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft.
Jordan is often considered to be an integral player who popularized NBA worldwide. He was a prolific scorer and great defensive player, and he stole the game’s spotlight whenever he entered the court.
During his career, MJ earned many accolades and set many records. In addition to playing for the NBA, he also played for the United States men’s basketball team, “the Dream Team.”
In his active playing days, Jordan was famously known for his leaping ability.
He demonstrated his proficiency in Slam Dunk contests, where he performed slam dunks from the free-throw line. It earned him nicknames like “Air Jordan” and “His Airness.”
Jordan played fifteen seasons in NBA with many outstanding performances, which made him a legendary basketball figure.
Therefore, today we have compiled ten of his career’s top dunks that we feel are the greatest. Let us explore which were Michael Jordan’s top 10 dunks of his career!
Quick Overview
Here is a sneak peek of our list!
| Dunk Moments | Year |
| 10. Jordan Dunk on Moses Malone | 1983 |
| 9. Dunk on Tree Rollins | 1986 |
| 8. Jordan Dunk on Alonzo Mourning | 1993 |
| 7. Dunk on Scottie Pippen’s Missed Free Throw | 1992 |
| 6. Cradle Dunk Over The Knicks | 1984 |
| 5. Dunk on the Big Dog | 1998 |
| 4. Slam Dunk Contest Against Dominique Wilkins | 1988 |
| 3. Dunk on Kelly Tripucka | 1988 |
| 2. Free-Throw Line Dunk | 1987 |
| 1. Jordan Dunk on Patrick Ewing | 1991 |
Michael Jordan’s Top 10 Dunks
We have compiled our list with the help of references from trusted internet sources like Bleacherreport, ClutchchPoints, etc.
10. Jordan Dunks on Moses Malone
Staring at our list on number 10, we have Michael Jordan’s famous dunk on Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone in 1983.
The former NBA player and three-time MVP could not put up his defense against His Airness.
Jordan managed to get one up against him with a flashy dunk.
He faked a pass with a one-handed jam over Malone, which to date is considered Jordan’s top dunk of his career.
9. Dunk on Tree Rollins
On number 9 of Michael Jordan’s top 10 dunks, we have his famous dunk on “The Intimidator,” Tree Rollins. Jordan pulled his famous dunk on Rollins, who had a towering height of 2.16 meters.
He got the ball from the left corner then his signature palm faked a pass to draw two defenders to make a jump.
Jordan threw the ball down on Rollins, which has become one of his top dunks.
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8. Jordan Dunk on Alonzo Mourning
Next, we have Michael’s dunk on seven-time NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning in 1993. Mourning was trash-talking MJ at the beginning of the game, to which MJ returned with a dunk.
Jordan received the pass on a fast break and flew over Mourning, who could not block him.
The dunk put Mourning in his place and made fans believe that Jordan could actually fly.
7. Dunk on Scottie Pippen’s Missed Free Throw
For Jordan’s seventh dunk, we are looking back at his match in 1992 against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Bulls were already serving the Blazer when Jordan pulled one over.
In the third quarter, MJ put back a ball that his teammate, Scottie Pippen, missed a free throw. Jordan made the dunk look effortless as the crowd got on their feet to cheer.
6. Cradle Dunk over the Knicks
It was Jordan’s first game at Madison Square Garden on November 8, 1984, against New York Knicks. And boy, did he make it memorable!
Jordan came with a ball steal and took it down the floor. He had an open court ahead of him and pulled his now-famous cradle dunk.
Looking back, you cannot help but be impressed by this moment.
Moreover, MJ helped make 33 points against the Knicks, and the Bulls won the match with a 121-106 victory.
5. Dunk on the Big Dog
On number 5 of Michael Jordan’s top 10 dunks is his famous dunk over “Big Dog,” Glenn Robinson, in 1998. The Bulls were playing against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jordan crossed the court with the ball, and he knew what he had to do.
He rose over Big Dog and scored his now-famous dunk. Similarly, he racked up 44 points for the Bulls in that game.
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4. Slam Dunk Contest Against Dominique Wilkins
Next, we have Jordan’s slam dunk contest with another great dunker, Dominique Wilkins, also known as “the Human Highlight Film.”
The two squared off at the Chicago Stadium on February 6, 1988.
His Airness won the slam dunk contest against the Human Highlight Film.
The score was 147-145, and it was Jordan’s second straight win in the Slam Dunk Contest.
3. Dunk On Kelly Tripucka
For our third Michael Jordan top 10 dunks, we have the moment when he dunked on Charlotte Hornet’s Kelly Tripucka in 1988.
It was one of the best yet and one of Jordan’s underrated dunks.
MJ raced down the court, and then juke passed Rex Chapman.
He then rose and threw down an incredible right-handed poster dunk as Tripucka ducked for cover.
Poor Tripucka never had a chance against His Airness.
2. Free-Throw Line Dunk
On number 2, we have MJ’s first slam dunk contest victory back in 1987. This first victory became a part of his iconic image later in his career.
Jordan made his way after measuring his distance to the opposite end of the court. His tongue was hanging in the air, which meant only one thing.
He took off from the free-throw and then threw down a one-handed dunk. It is, undoubtedly, one of MJ’s finest and top dunks of his career.
1. Jordan Dunk On Patrick Ewing
The number 1 spot on our list for Michael Jordan’s top 10 dunks is his now-famous dunk on Patrick Ewing.
MJ himself has considered the dunk one of the most memorable slams of his career.
The moment took place in the 1991 Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Jordan shook off two defenders and came face-to-face with Ewing. Both jumped off their feet, but His Airness flew higher.
Jordan pulled this one over the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Patrick Ewing. Sportscaster Marv Albert had called it a foul, and Jordan did get the foul for his memorable dunk!
Conclusion
Michael Jordan’s status as the greatest basketball player is evident in his achievements and accolades. His status as a global cultural icon has made him one of the best athletes of the 21st century.
Similarly, Jordan was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career and as part of 1992 The Dream Team.
He was also inducted into the 2009 United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
What do you think of our list? Which dunks of Jordan’s career are your favorite and deserve the top spot? Do let us know!
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