New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson led an upheaval on social media against the highly criticized judging of the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk competition on February 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Brunson was miffed after his rookie teammate Jacob Toppin was “robbed” of entering the finals against eventual back-to-back champion Mac McClung of the Orlando Magic’s G League team.
“I guess Jacob needed to jump over the shot clock to get higher than 46,” Brunson posted on X, formerly Twitter, following Toppin’s failed bid to enter the finals.
Toppin’s second dunk — a 360-degree, between-the-legs dunk — only drew 47.2 from the five judges comprised of former NBA All-Stars Gary Payton, Mitch Richmond and ex-Slam Dunk champions Fred Jones, Darnell Hillman and Dominique Wilkins.
Still think Jacob Toppin had the dunk of the night 🤯
📽️: @BleacherReport | #NBAAllStar
Boston Celtic’s Jaylen Brown beat Toppin to earn the right to challenge McClung in the finals with an underwhelming tribute to Dee Brown’s no-look dunk in 1991.
Brown’s Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum threw him an alley-oop pass then jumped over a sitting Kai Cenat, a popular American online streamer. The dunk became a lmaomeme as Brown only covered his eyes after making the dunk on his way down.
Jaylen Brown got booed for his Dee Brown dunk 💀
Kenny Smith roasted Brown’s dunk on the TNT broadcast, saying, “He looks like sneezing right now,” instead of covering his eyes with his arm.
Dee Brown reacted to Jaylen’s attempt to re-create his winning dunk with a twist.
“It’s not easy doing the no-look dunk. #sorrynotsorry,” the former Celtics Slam Dunk champion posted on his Instagram story.
Despite the flak, Jaylen Brown still drew 47.6 to edge Toppin and advanced to the finals.
Knicks and general NBA fans posted their disappointment too on X.
Jacob Toppin represented NY well but was eliminated in the 1st round of the dunk contest 🤔
I’m a Celtics fan
That being said Jacob Toppin was robbed. The G League dunk contest was more interesting and that’s saying something. https://t.co/DxsCQYg3Tu
— Black Rudy Flyer (@Solomondc707) February 18, 2024
Jacob Toppin:
Judges: 45
Jacob Toppin should have made the final round after this dunk.
Jaylen Brown just did a normal dunk and somehow received a better score than this.
Wait. How tf did Jacob Toppin not make it?! Jaylen Brown’s dunks were trash! 😂😂😂
Jacob Toppin’s dunk was better than every dunk Jaylen Brown did tonight
AT NBA DUNK CONTEST: SHOCKING SCORING CONTROVERSY!
In a stunning turn of events at yesterday’s NBA Dunk Contest, the scores handed out by the judges left fans scratching their heads. It seemed as though the competition was rigged to favor the bigger star, Jaylen Brown, over the more impressive performances of Jaime Jaquez and Jacob Toppin.
But fear not, college football fans! Unlike the NBA, where questionable decisions reign supreme, in CFB everything is decided on the field, and no one plays favorites.
Fans took to social media to express their outrage over the injustice done to Jacob Toppin. Many believed he was robbed of the victory and deserved better treatment from the judges. Justice for Jacob!
It’s clear that Toppin’s dunk was a standout moment in the contest. Fans couldn’t understand how it didn’t receive a score of 49 or 50. The injustice was palpable.
NBA fans were quick to voice their opinions on the matter. They felt that both of Jaylen Brown’s dunks were lackluster compared to Toppin’s impressive performance. The contest was rigged, and Toppin was the true victim.
Moving on to the 3-Point Shooting Contest, there were some notable performances. Brunson, the Knicks All-Star point guard, started off slowly but managed to find his rhythm. Despite scoring 24 points, it was not enough for him to advance to the final round. Better luck next time, Brunson!
In a thrilling showdown, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as the 3-point champion, defeating Karl-Anthony Towns and Trae Young in the finals. Lillard proved once again why he is one of the best shooters in the league.
Meanwhile, former Knicks guard Evan Fournier has found new success in Detroit. Traded as part of a package deal, Fournier is thriving in his new team, averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in just over 25 minutes per game. The Pistons have expressed their intention to keep Fournier, signaling a bright future for the Frenchman.
In conclusion, the NBA Dunk Contest left fans outraged and questioning the integrity of the judging. Jacob Toppin was clearly robbed of his rightful victory. On the other hand, the 3-Point Shooting Contest showcased the skills of Damian Lillard, who proved himself to be a true sharpshooter. And finally, Evan Fournier has found new success with the Detroit Pistons, who are committed to keeping him on their roster. Stay tuned for more thrilling NBA action!
According to the Source heavy.com