The 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place on February 19, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, during NBA All-Star Weekend. New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin claimed the championship trophy, defeating Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson in a final round defined by high stakes, missed attempts, and athletic redemption.
While basketball fans tuned in expecting jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, the event turned into a gritty battle of attrition. Toppin secured the crown with a total score of 92 across two final dunks, outpacing Toscano-Anderson’s score of 69 after a series of missed connections. The night showcased raw youthful talent, structural format pressures, and the unpredictable nature of modern All-Star Saturday events.
The Field of Competitors
Four players stepped onto the hardwood in Cleveland, representing a mix of explosive rookies and high-flying sophomores. The 2022 lineup featured:
- Obi Toppin (New York Knicks): Entering his second year, Toppin returned to the showcase after finishing as the runner-up in 2021.
- Juan Toscano-Anderson (Golden State Warriors): A gritty fan-favorite who carved out an NBA role after grinding through the G-League.
- Jalen Green (Houston Rockets): The explosive rookie drafted second overall in 2021, widely hyped for his generational leaping ability.
- Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic): The charismatic guard known for his creative flair and high-energy personality.
Notably absent was the reigning champion, Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving the crown entirely up for grabs.
Round 1: Opening Jumps and Early Exits
The competition kicked off with mixed results as players tried to establish momentum under the NBA spotlight. Obi Toppin opened strong, utilizing his signature length and bounce to rack up 44 points out of 50 on his first attempt. Juan Toscano-Anderson matched that intensity, also pulling in 44 points in the opening round with a clean, high-difficulty dunk over teammate Andrew Wiggins, which earned massive cheers from the Cleveland crowd.
However, rookie Jalen Green and guard Cole Anthony struggled to find their rhythm. Green labored through multiple attempts on his opening sequence, dampening his scoring potential. Anthony attempted a series of tribute-heavy and narrative-driven dunks, but execution flaws hindered his scores. When the judges tallied the totals, Green and Anthony found themselves eliminated after the second round, clearing the path for Toppin and Toscano-Anderson to advance to the finals.
The Final Round: Redemption for Toppin
The championship round descended into an unpredictable struggle. Toscano-Anderson struggled significantly with execution, running through multiple missed tries on his final sequences. The judges ultimately handed him a baseline score of 30 after he ran out of clean attempts, capping his final round total at 69.
With the door wide open, Toppin capitalized on the opportunity. Needing only a clean completion to seal his victory, he delivered a confident between-the-legs slam off the backboard. The dunk earned a 47, bringing his final round total to 92 and securing the Slam Dunk Contest trophy that eluded him the year prior.
Why the 2022 Contest Sparked Debate
Basketball analysts and fans debated the quality of the event immediately after the final buzzer. The competition faced criticism for an abundance of missed dunks, which stalled the pacing and defused crowd energy. Critics noted that high-flying talents like Jalen Green possessed immense raw potential but failed to convert their most ambitious concepts on live television.
At the same time, supporters argued that the contest highlighted the immense physical pressure placed on modern participants. Inventing never-before-seen aerial maneuvers under strict time limits creates an extremely unforgiving environment. Toppin's victory proved that consistency, composure, and steady execution often matter more than chasing overly complex, low-probability stunts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks won the competition, defeating Juan Toscano-Anderson in the final round.
Who were the judges for the 2022 contest?
A panel of legendary former NBA players judged the event, including Dominique Wilkins, Isiah Thomas, Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, and Julius Erving.
Where was the 2022 All-Star Weekend held?
The weekend events took place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Did reigning champion Anfernee Simons defend his title?
No, Anfernee Simons chose not to defend the crown he won in 2021, opening the field to new competitors.
