Air Jordan takes off - The 1988 NBA Dunk Contest

The Chicago Stadium was the venue for the 1988 Dunk contest, where Michael Jordan was the hometown favourite competing against, amongst others, Spud Webb, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins and Otis Smith.

The first in our series of iconic sports shots… plain and simple. Just amazing images from sports. Who else to kick us off but Michael Jordan.

The 1988 dunk contest saw Jordan and Dominique Wilkins go toe to toe in an enthralling encounter, with the NBA about to enter a whole new era of superstardom.

In 1985 Wilkins had beaten the rookie Jordan to the title, but in the two years that followed both competitors were injured and a much anticipated rematch had been on ice.

This was the fifth instalment of the dunk contest and MJ took home the spoils on his home court at the then Chicago stadium.

The 1986 Dunk Contest

The 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. '

It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and memorable dunk contests in NBA history between two of the greatest players of all time.

The contest featured several impressive dunks from both Jordan and Wilkins, with each player trying to outdo the other with their creativity and athleticism.

In the final round, Jordan executed an incredible dunk that is often referred to as the "Free-Throw Line Dunk."

He started from behind the free-throw line, soared through the air, and slammed the ball into the hoop, earning a perfect score and securing his victory.

Jordan's remarkable dunk and his overall performance in the contest solidified his reputation as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.

The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest is often cited as a pivotal moment in Jordan's career and a defining moment in the history of the contest itself.

Many people thought that Wilkins was perhaps the better performer, but the home court crowd and no doubt the growing legend of Jordan won the day.

(Also one of the judges being a former Bull and another being a Chicago native!)

Jordan’s routine finished with a judges score of a perfect 50, with his now iconic dunk from the free throw line, captured below in all its glory.

The debate still rages on today as to whether Jordan deserved to win, but no matter the outcome, the image itself is now etched in sporting history, and Michael Jordan is, well, Michael Jordan!