Obi Toppin puts on a show, falls just short in 2021 NBA Dunk Contest

Former University of Dayton men’s basketball stand-out Obi Toppin put on an excellent show in Sunday night’s NBA Dunk Contest, but fell short in the final. Photo courtesy of Griffin Quinn, Flyer News.

Luc Almeda
Sports Staff Writer

Anfernee Simons defeated Obi Toppin on Sunday to win the 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during halftime of the NBA All-Star game. The event took place in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. 

Former Dayton star and current New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin was joined by fellow rookie and Indiana Pacers guard Cassius Stanley and Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons in the 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The three high flyers traveled to Atlanta to take part in the event, this year taking part during halftime of the All Star Game. 

The Slam Dunk Contest format took place over two rounds, with a five-member panel of former dunk champions serving as judges. The panel included Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb, Jason Richardson, Dee Brown and Josh Smith. 

Toppin entered the contest as the favorite. He was the odd man out, as he was the single forward competing against two guards. 

First Round

Toppin: 48

Stanley: 44

Simons: 46

Second Round

Toppin: 46

Stanley: 37

Simons: 49

Highlights

Cassius Stanley (first round)

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1368753908374331394

Obi Toppin (first round)

Anfernee Simons (first round)

Anfernee Simons (second round)

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1368756510625427459

Obi Toppin (second round)

Championship – Simons vs Obi

*Final round is not based on scores, but judges vote on which participant they think should win.

Obi took off from a step inside the free throw line before going through the legs for his final dunk. It wasn’t enough for the judges though, as Simons took home the Slam Dunk crown.

Simons’ final dunk was his take on a “kiss the rim” dunk. 

There were a few Twitter accounts that took exception to the final verdict, though.

https://twitter.com/Jalen_NoRose1/status/1368758245159018500

Toppin represented Flyer Nation on a national level Sunday night, featuring at an All-Star weekend comprised of some of the world’s most gifted athletes. The rookie is poised to contribute during the second stretch of  his introductory season to the league on an up-and-coming Knicks team.

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