The NBA has launched its Prime 100 Dunks of the 2023-24 season, and in a change from years previous however unsurprisingly contemplating the personnel, the Spurs executed a whopping seven of them. Most of that was because of Victor Wembanyama, however even with out him, a few different Spurs nonetheless doubled final yr’s tally of only one. (Though it was quantity 4, and someway followers wished to debate whether or not or not it was truly a dunk as a substitute of simply benefit from the rating. *Shrug.)
Observe: Whereas the video is just on NBA.com for now (hyperlink above), separate movies of every play is offered right here, in addition to the time stamp if you wish to go watch your complete video there.
At #93 (2:26) got here Keldon Johnson’s reverse dunk round Brook Lopez of their January thriller in opposition to the Bucks that’s largely thought-about a turning level of the season regardless of being a loss (which, let’s face it, has extra to do with Tre Jones lastly beginning than something).
At #70 (9:00) comes the primary of Wemby’s 5 dunks within the listing, starting with a spin transfer and reverse dunk round Jabari Smith of the Houston Rockets. The Spurs successful the lottery over the Rockets (and Wemby’s seemingly glad response when the Rockets have been chosen 4th) has revitalized the IH-10 rivalry, and this was just the start. (Wemby truly bought Smith twice in that sport, the ranked one is the second within the video under.)
Subsequent is a extra surprising entry, with Malaki Branham coming in at #61 (11:38) when he posterized LeBron James in opposition to the Lakers. Not many gamers can say they put The King on their poster, and as Sean Elliott stated, he’ll be capable to inform his grandkids about that one.
It’s all Wemby from right here, with 4 extra within the high 25. At #25 itself (22:22) is his hovering dunk over Derrick White and the Celtics, the place he amazed the world by taking off from simply contained in the free throw line and kind of gliding by way of he air for a easy dunk with relative ease. This shouldn’t be as simple as Wemby makes it look, and at a minimum of at one level, it was essentially the most considered play ever throughout the NBA’s social media platforms (and it could nonetheless be).
Quickly after at #22 (23:20) is a onehanded dunk ranging from outdoors the paint in opposition to the Jazz. Apparently, this play doesn’t actually ring a bell with me (possibly as a result of it was throughout a blowout loss) and at this level virtually looks as if “simply one other Wemby dunk”, however after all, not everybody sees him each sport, so some performs could register extra with outsiders.
Within the high 20, we’re getting again to some extra memorable dunks, and at #19 (24:17) is Wemby’s left handed posterization of Drew Eubanks after placing Kevin Durant on skates with a crossover transfer on the three-point line (revenge for a Durant dunk on the earlier play). This was the primary sport of their mini-series sweep in Phoenix early within the season, and this play helped spark an enormous comeback for the win.
Final however not least comes at #15 (25:56), when Wemby completely demolished Alperen Sengun for the and-one, simply including extra gas to the hearth of the IH10 rivalry. My favourite a part of the play is Sengun simply waiving it off after it occurs, as a result of what else are you able to do? There was nothing he may do about that one. There will probably be loads of huge battles in future between two of the perfect younger huge males within the league.
Once more, you’ll be able to watch your complete video at NBA.com, but when this isn’t sufficient Spurs dunks for you, the Spurs themselves have you ever lined.
