The 2020 Slam Dunk Contest: A Controversial Moment and Its Aftermath
The 2020 Slam Dunk Contest: A Controversial Moment and Its Aftermath
The 2020 Slam Dunk Contest remains a topic of discussion and controversy in the world of basketball. This article examines the moment when both Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr. were given the same high score for their final dunks, but Dwyane Wade changed his vote at the last moment.
Competitors in the Crucial Round
In the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest, the two finalists were Miami Heat players Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr. Aaron Gordon showed a scientific approach, displaying an off-hand dunk attempt while pushing off former player Bam Adebayo. On the other hand, Derrick Jones Jr. opted for a powerful head-on collision with Tacko Fall, where he aimed to slam the ball into his opponent’s face.
Visual Impact and Dunks
The visual impact of the two dunks is quite different. Tacko Fall, standing at 7'5", was unable to stop the momentum of Aaron Gordon, who seemed to be attempting to clear him with a two-handed dunk. However, the more striking visual moment occurred with Derrick Jones Jr. when he pushed off and then dunked one-handed, aiming to slam the ball into Bam Adebayo's head.
According to Tacko Fall, this attempt was not pre-planned. This implies that Derrick Jones Jr. may not have been sure about his ability to complete the dunk before attempting it. Even though Tacko wasn't prepared, he might have flinched, which could have influenced the outcome of the contest.
Aaron Gordon, known for his athleticism and creativity, is renowned for his difficulty and visual impact in previous dunks. However, the 2020 contest might not have been the best time for him to take such a risk. His 2016 dunk involving the Orlando mascot was impressively creative, but performing such a risky move in an elimination situation is not recommended.
While Aaron Gordon is undoubtedly an elite athlete, he could not guarantee a clean completion with his one attempt. Despite his capabilities, he took a risk and it backfired.
Controversial Judges' Decision
There has been discussion about whether the judges should have given both Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr. the same score for their final dunks. The point of the panel is for each judge to grade the dunks independently. However, the judges' collaboration led to a consensus that both were given high marks, which is somewhat unusual and has caused debate.
The judges' decision, while not ideal, stems from the fact that neither dunk was definitively the better of the two. Gordon had been impressive earlier in the contest, while Jones Jr. hadn't yet produced a standout dunk. The judges might have felt that neither dunk deserved to win, leading them to agree on the scores.
Dwyane Wade's Last-Minute Change
The most intriguing part of the contest is Dwyane Wade's last-minute change of vote, which ultimately decided the winner. Evidence suggests that Wade removed his earpiece right before the scores were released, which could indicate his decision. His body language and the body language of the other judges also support the conclusion that Wade was the one to change his vote.
Dwyane Wade's action is a double-edged sword. As a judge, his responsibility is to remain impartial. However, the situation revealed a moment of favoritism for Miami Heat player Derrick Jones Jr. Wade's impartiality was clearly compromised, which is a significant ethical issue in the judging process.
While Wade's decision made the final outcome of the contest clear, it also puts him in a difficult position. Many fans and professional observers have criticized him for his lack of impartiality. If Gordon were the one complaining, he would have valid reasons to be upset about the decision.
Nonetheless, the incident serves as a reminder that even the most experienced and respected judges can succumb to biases and external factors. In such high-stakes situations, maintaining impartiality is crucial, and any deviation from that can lead to controversy and even resentment among contestants and fans.
As for the dunks themselves, they were impressive, showcasing a range of skills and styles. However, the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest remains a memorable moment due to the unexpected outcome and the subsequent discussion about the role of judges and impartiality in sports.