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25 Greatest Poster Dunks in NBA History

By Maxwell Ogden

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images) /
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There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a player put one of their peers on a poster. The question at hand: what are the greatest poster dunks in NBA history?

ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 05: NBA Legend Julius Erving hugs Dominique Wilkins as the Atlanta Hawks honor Wilkins in the unveiling of a statue in his name at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images) /

Nothing brings a crowd to its feet or a rival fan to a gasping halt faster than a poster dunk. Seeing one player completely obliterate the competition with a ferocious throw down is equal parts disrespectful and exhilarating.

While all excite us, some posters stay up longer than others.

To limit this list to 25 is to omit some of the greatest dunks of all-time, but the posterizations selected have earned their spot. Some are more heralded than others, but regardless of how they’re viewed in the eyes of the masses, they deserve more respect than they receive.

Related Story: NBA Finals History: Ranking The Last 50 Champions

That starts with the first honorable mention:

Honorable Mention: Julius Erving Gets Bill Walton

Injuries cut his peak years short, but at his best, Bill Walton was one of the most feared and respected players in the NBA. Not only did he lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an improbable championship, but he had them off to a dominant start to the following season.

Portland defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1977 NBA Finals, but not before Julius Erving put Walton on one heck of a poster.

Erving’s ability to control the ball while on the move is second to none in NBA history. His massive hands enabled him to palm the ball while in full motion, which helped make him one of the greatest dunkers to ever grace both the ABA and NBA.

This may not be the sexiest dunk you’ve ever seen, but on the stage it happened, it was big. The question is, what made the cut?

Next: Did MJ Get Got?