Pelayo: Aaron Gordon, the peoples’ dunk champ

LAST weekend was intensely exciting and crazy during the 2020 NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago... until the final decision of judges in the All-Star dunk contest. The basketball fans around the world have waited for the comeback of Orlando Magic’s star dunker, the high-flying Aaron “AG” Gordon on the said competition.

Still fresh from the fans memory was when AG almost took home the trophy back in 2016. The match between him and another dunk champ Zach Lavine on that year was considered by many as one of the most exciting dunk contest in history. Some players looked at it as a robbery but it was honestly a really close match in fairness to Lavine who was also spectacular during the event and he did deserve the win.

This year, it was obvious that Gordon has prepared well to finally get that title in formality and take home the trophy. Marks of cupping were even evident at the back of his shoulders during the contest. And he did not disappoint the crowd. He successfully made sensational slam dunks during the early rounds. He scored a perfect 50 on all his first four dunks, and then he got another 50 in the playoff flush. His final dunk was unplanned as he jumped over a 7-foot-5 Celtic Tacko Fall and successfully jammed it with two hands. That was supposed to be an icing on the cake.

Somehow, three of the five judges did not think so. AG got a score of 47, a point shy to Derrick Jones, Jr.’s 48. Once again, one of the most unique dunkers in the league failed to get the hardware. This has nothing to take away from DDJ who was also impressive that night. But most people did not talk much about the contest winner, the fans conveyed more on how AG got robbed that night. It was a very controversial decision. Two of the judges, the musician Common and WNBA star Candice Parker, who both gave Gordon a score of perfect 10 told reporters after the contest that the board initially thought of ending it in a tie. But somebody messed it up. That leaves former Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade, Scottie Pippen and Chadwick Boseman as the possible culprit who did not do it right.

As a result, AG announced that he’s calling it quits in the dunk contest. Can’t blame the man. He made dunks like no other player has done in the league. He made the contest very exciting to watch. And now he’s done. Aaron Gordon may be an uncrowned king but he’s definitely the people’s champ. AG made a comment about his interest in joining the 3-point contest next year. There will be no judges next time.

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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com

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