On February 6 , 1988 1988: Michael Jordan and Dominque Wilkins are involved in a high-flying battle for the Slam Dunk crown in Chicago. Wilkins holds a 100-97 lead going into the final dunk and then he makes a wicked two-handed jam coming from the left side. However, the five judges award him only 45 points (Jordan says he would have scored it 49), keeping alive his Airness’ chances. With the crowd on its feet, rising to a deafening crescendo, Jordan starts his approach from the opposite foul line. Four dribbles and an amazing leap later, he slams the ball home. Needing 49 to win, he scores a perfect 50. “My Julius Erving,” Jordan says. “I was just looking up into the crowd for inspiration for that last one. Finally, I spotted the man who started it all, Dr. J. He motioned to me to move back, to go back and take off from the line. That was the best advice I got all day.” The next day, Jordan will cap his fabulous weekend by scoring 40 points in the All-Star Game and be named MVP.
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