Remembering former OKC Thunder forward Serge Ibaka’s Slam Dunk contest
With the OKC Thunder picking up its first Slam Dunk, Hamidou Diallo wasn’t the franchises first participant. Let’s pay tribute to Serge Ibaka’seffort in 2011
Hamidou Diallo became the first OKC Thunder Slam Dunk Champion after he beat out New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. for the crown but he wasn’t Oklahoma City’s first participant in the event. Former Thunder forward Serge Ibaka took part in the featured event in 2011 and didn’t disappoint.
Let’s take a look at his two dunk attempts.
First dunk attempt – Emulating the iconic free throw dunk
Air Congo’s first dunk attempt was a running one-handed dunk from the free throw line. Julius “Dr. J’ Irving and Michael B. Jordan successfully performed the dunks in 1976 and 1987 Slam Dunk competitions much to the amazement of the crowds. While the two NBA legends were known for their jumping ability, many were skeptical if the 6’11 forward out of Congo could replicate the feat.
Ibaka made it with plenty to spare but only managed a 45 (out of 50) from the judges.
Second dunk attempt – Serge gets creative
Ibaka’s second dunk attempt was a mix of creativity, theatrics and a fair share of difficulty. While many of us struggle to perform a simple two-handed slam, Air Congo manages to grab a stuffed toy with his mouth before executing a windmill.
Ibaka scored another 45 before bowing out of the competition with a total score of 90. The contest was later won by Blake Griffin who outduelled JaVale McGee to take the crown.
Contest controversy
Blake Griffin’s win was marred with controversy after the contestants believed he was crowned the winner before the contest began. Before we proceed to take jabs at the competition, let’s take a moment to honor Griffin’s two-handed over the Kia.
While the dunk above is impressive, many believed the table was set for Griffin to take home the award for two reasons:
- Los Angeles hosted the event (Griffin was playing for the Los Angeles Clippers)
- Kia sponsored the event
The choir was a nice soft touch but the excessive celebratory music and lights certainly make one wonder if the event was staged to just give him the win (read more here).
Ibaka’s the past, Diallo’s the future
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Despite having a short history in the Midwest, Oklahoma City has achieved a tonne in a short period of time with the Slam Dunk Crown the latest achievement on OKC’s resume. Thunder fans are some of the most passionate in the NBA and remember everything the franchise has accomplished to date.
While we remember Ibaka for his Slam Dunk participation, we now move onto the current champion and future wing of the franchise in Diallo.
Next. OKC Thunder must decide what to do with remaining roster spots. dark
Thanks for the memories Serge but there’s a new sheriff in town.