Hoops Habit
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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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24. Kevin Johnson Gets a Piggyback Ride

Having arrived before his time, long-time Phoenix Suns point guard Kevin Johnson would’ve thrived in the modern era. He was an explosive finisher who could finish over the very best of defensive big men—you’ll see that soon—and take over a game as both a scorer and facilitator.

Hot Rod Williams found that out the hard way when Johnson drove the lane, rose up for a dunk, and received a piggyback ride from the defender he dunked on.

Williams was a 6’11” center and power forward who was known for his shot-blocking ability and physicality. Thus, when Johnson turned the corner and drove the lane, the rational expectation was that he’d end up on his back with a pair of free throws on the way.

Instead, Johnson ended up on Williams’ back with a highlight that will forever live on in his catalog of great plays.

This is, admittedly, the type of dunk that is elevated in stature by what followed the actual throw-down. Johnson literally landed on the player he dunked over and looked down at him with a grimacing look on his face.

There’s dunking on someone, and then there’s yamming it home. Johnson yammed it.