What is the signature play in the history of each NBA franchise?

Atlanta Hawks: Dominique Wilkins tops MJ in the 1985 Dunk Contest

A rare combination of power and grace, Dominique Wilkins quickly established as one of the game’s most spectacular dunkers upon entering the NBA in 1982.

So when the NBA implemented the current iteration of the Dunk Contest at the 1984 All-Star Weekend in Denver, it was only right to push for the participation of a man whose acrobatics could get the competition off the ground.

Wilkins had faced defeat in the inaugural event, prompting a return the following year to seek what he felt could be had. Joining him was another high-flyer, only a rookie but already attracting the early attention that would later lead to global superstardom.

Michael Jordan hadn’t completed one NBA season but was already a league-favorite for his spectacular dunk package and iconic red and black Nikes.

While other participants included reigning champion Larry Nance, an older Julius Erving, Terence Stansbury, Darrell Griffith and Orlando Woolridge, it was Wilkins and Jordan who turned the halfcourt into a stage.

MJ showed out with gravity-defying feats highlighted by a free-throw line dunk that jolted some much-needed energy into the Indianapolis crowd. With back-to-back 50s in the final round, Wilkins stole the show and secured the Dunk Contest crown.

It was three years later in Chicago where the rematch would take place after Wilkins surrendered his title to Spudd Webb in 1986 and Jordan would claim victory in 1987.

In front of his home fans, MJ overtook Dominique by just two points. His status would only increase from there with MVPs and championships while Wilkins was a fantastic scorer who could never get his Atlanta Hawks past the conference semis.

If only for one night in 1985, though, it was Wilkins who held the upper hand over Jordan. Those moments rarely came in the following years, making the point of acknowledging them all the more important.