Pippen Ain't Easy
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30 year anniversary of Michael Jordan’s famous free-throw line dunk

By Luke Askew

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, watches on during their game against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, watches on during their game against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Since 1984, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been providing fans with high-flying entertainment. One of the contest’s most legendary moments took place in Chicago in 1988. Let’s take a look back at one of Air Jordan’s most memorable moments as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago has been the home of many legendary moments on the hardwood, but the Slam Dunk Contest of 1988 is close to the top of the list. Following Michael Jordan’s 1987 victory, the reigning Slam Dunk Champ was looking to defend his title in front of Bulls fans in Chicago.

Not only did he defend his title, but he did it with one of the most memorable dunk contest performances in NBA history, inspiring one of basketball’s most legendary dunks ever.

I’m talking about the same dunk that’s been attempted over and over again in recent dunk contests. It’s the same dunk that’s been attempted by viral YouTube dunkers, and the same dunk that kids in their driveway lower their hoop for, draw a fake free-throw line with chalk, and try to replicate.

You all know the dunk I’m talking about – the dunk from the free-throw line.

The dunk that even made for one of basketball’s most famous pictures, ever.

Even new Chicago Bull, Zach LaVine has improvised his own dunks in dunk contests based around this one exact dunk. You’ll notice three dunks (including the contest winner) in this video of Zach LaVine putting his own unique spin on Jordan’s dunk.

https://twitter.com/NBAInside_Stuff/status/953031145817563138

The Air Jordan moment wasn’t only big for Bulls fans, but it was big for all basketball fans.

Anytime arguably the biggest brand in all of basketball has its logo modeled after one particular dunk, it’s safe to say it was a big deal. You all know the brand I’m talking about – and you all know the logo I’m talking about.

The same brand and logo that inspire things like this:

Check out some more highlights from when Air Jordan defended his title and officially became one of the greatest dunkers the NBA has ever seen.

With Zach LaVine’s incredible poster dunk in the game against Sacramento, and the 30 year anniversary of Michael Jordan’s jaw-dropping dunk. Bulls fans are bound to get excited about the future of the athleticism on the team – and rightfully so.

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