Jacques Dominique Wilkins (born January 12, 1960) is an American retired professional basketball player who primarily played for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star….and is widely viewed as one of the best dunkers in NBA history…..earning the nickname “The Human Highlight Film”. In 2006, Wilkins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest featured a rematch between Wilkins and Jordan…..as Jordan won in the final, beating Wilkins by two points. Wilkins’ first two dunks of the finals earned scores of 50 from judges. On his third and final attempt, Wilkins’ completed a thunderous windmill dunk from the left side. Soaring high above the floor, Wilkins’ head nearly hit the rim. Wilkins received a standing ovation from players and fans in attendance, but was awarded a low score of 45…..as seen in this video herewith….as the judges opened the door for Jordan to win the Chicago-based event with a score of only 48. Jordan closed out the event with 50-point dunk….taking what this lil ole chiweenie Sportsphile calls a “flat-out rip off” …. for this 1988 Slam Dunk Championship should have gone to The Human Highlight Reel.
