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Slam dunk over car wins it for Griffin
Source: Agencies |
February 21, 2011, Monday
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BLAKE Griffin soared over an automobile and into a new stratosphere on Saturday with an awe-inspiring performance to win the National Basketball Association's slam dunk contest in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Clippers rookie, who has created a frenzy this season with highlight reel dunks, caught a pass out of the sunroof from teammate Baron Davis and threw down a two-handed dunk while a choir sang "I Believe I Can Fly" at midcourt.
"Just being out here and having the experience of something I watched growing up. To be able to be out here is great," the 21-year-old Griffin told reporters.
Griffin entered the competition as the favorite to win but it was Washington Wizards high-flyer JaVale McGee who created the biggest buzz in the opening round.
The seven-footer used two baskets and then dunked with three basketballs during separate displays that earned him perfect scores from the judges.
But Griffin prevailed in the final with a slam that saw him insert his forearm into the net and hang from the rim by his elbow before bringing the car onto the court.
Griffin is also playing in the All-Star game today after becoming the first player since Yao Ming in 2003 to be selected in his first year in the league. The starters for the game are chosen by fans in an online and SMS vote and the reserves are selected by the league's coaches. Griffin is a reserve in the game.
Earlier, Miami Heat sharpshooter James Jones crashed a Boston party by defeating Celtics teammates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win the three-point contest.
Golden State guard Stephen Curry outlasted Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook to claim the skills challenge, a mix of dribbling, shooting, layup, and passing drills.
The Los Angeles Clippers rookie, who has created a frenzy this season with highlight reel dunks, caught a pass out of the sunroof from teammate Baron Davis and threw down a two-handed dunk while a choir sang "I Believe I Can Fly" at midcourt.
"Just being out here and having the experience of something I watched growing up. To be able to be out here is great," the 21-year-old Griffin told reporters.
Griffin entered the competition as the favorite to win but it was Washington Wizards high-flyer JaVale McGee who created the biggest buzz in the opening round.
The seven-footer used two baskets and then dunked with three basketballs during separate displays that earned him perfect scores from the judges.
But Griffin prevailed in the final with a slam that saw him insert his forearm into the net and hang from the rim by his elbow before bringing the car onto the court.
Griffin is also playing in the All-Star game today after becoming the first player since Yao Ming in 2003 to be selected in his first year in the league. The starters for the game are chosen by fans in an online and SMS vote and the reserves are selected by the league's coaches. Griffin is a reserve in the game.
Earlier, Miami Heat sharpshooter James Jones crashed a Boston party by defeating Celtics teammates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win the three-point contest.
Golden State guard Stephen Curry outlasted Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook to claim the skills challenge, a mix of dribbling, shooting, layup, and passing drills.
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