The dunk: The basketball lexicon

Published on October 24, 2025 4 min. reading

Definition of the term

A dunk is a move in which a player propels the ball directly into the basket, often holding it with one or both hands. This move, which combines power and explosiveness, has become a signature move in basketball. It became popular in the 1960s thanks to centres such as Wilt Chamberlain, but it was in the 1970s and 1980s that the dunk exploded in terms of spectacle.

It is also a move that has forced the NBA to adapt. For example, the NCAA league banned the dunk from 1967 to 1976, considering that it gave too much of an advantage to players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the time (still known as Lew Alcindor).

The dunk in basketball

The dunk is central to basketball for several practical reasons :

1) Because it’s impressive:
A dunk puts physical and psychological pressure on an opponent. For example, Shaquille O’Neal became famous for his ability to dunk brutally, even breaking baskets (as he did in 1993 against the Nets).

2) Because it can change the course of a game:
A spectacular dunk can reverse the momentum of a game, turn the tide and give strength to an entire team. It can also kill the game. Let’s quickly recap the action. You’re in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The Portland Trail Blazers… Blazers, sorry, are facing the Los Angeles Lakers. The Angelinos are leading by 4 points with 1 minute to play and the ball is with Kobe. The number 8 at the time sends Shaq to Namek, +6, heading for the NBA finals. A dunk can kill a game.

3) Because it’s beautiful
Players like Vince Carter (with his incredible dunks in the 2000s, notably the one at the 2000 Olympics over Fred Weiss) have blended their spectacular style with an urban culture already connected to basketball. On the playgrounds, dunking is often seen as a way to gain instant respect.

The dunk is more than just a move. It’s a weapon, a statement, and sometimes even a humiliation in the world of basketball.

Players associated with the dunk

1) Vince Carter: Nicknamed “Half-Man, Half-Amazing,” he made history with his aerial dunks, notably his “death dunk” at the 2000 Olympic Games.

2) Dominique Wilkins: The “Human Highlight Film,” a specialist in spectacular dunks, he dominated the NBA dunk contests in 1985 and 1990.

3) Julius Erving (Dr. J): In 1976, during the ABA Slam Dunk Contest, he popularized the dunk from the free throw line, a move that has become iconic.

4) Michael Jordan: During the 1988 dunk contest, he replicated and perfected the dunk from the free throw line, cementing his status as “His Airness.”

5) Shawn Kemp: In 1992, Kemp made an unforgettable dunk over Alton Lister, followed by his famous finger point.

6) Scottie Pippen: During the 1994 playoffs, Pippen destroyed Patrick Ewing with a ferocious dunk and a memorable taunt.

7) Mutombo (as a legendary victim): Despite his defensive skills, he remained a target for dunkers, notably Jordan, who humiliated him with a “signature” dunk in 1997 after promising to do so.

Legendary moment: Vince Carter’s poster dunk on Fred Weiss

On September 25, 2000, at the Sydney Olympics, Vince Carter achieved one of the most spectacular moments in basketball history. After an interception, Carter raced up the court at full speed and jumped over Fred Weiss, the 7-foot-2 French center, to dunk with incredible power. This moment, nicknamed “the dunk of death,” symbolizes athletic dominance and remains engraved in the annals as one of the greatest poster plays in history.

With moves like this and the players who embody them, the dunk is more than just a move: it’s an affirmation of power and style that embodies the spirit of basketball. Would you like to move on to another term or expand on a specific section?