Who Made The First Dunk In NBA History
While Fortenberry's dunk was the first documented one, the first official dunk in NBA history was made by Bob Kurland of the St. Louis Bombers on November 9, 1946, in a game against the Toronto Huskies.
Basketball, a sport that has evolved significantly over the years, has seen many landmark moments that have forever changed its course. One such moment was the first-ever dunk, a move that has since become a staple of the game and a crowd favorite. But who made the first dunk in NBA history? Let's dive into the annals of basketball to find out.
The Unplanned Beginning
The first documented dunk in NBA history was made by Joe Fortenberry of the Harlem Globetrotters during a game against the New York Renaissance on December 5, 1936. However, it's important to note that dunks were not officially counted as a statistic in the NBA until the 1970-71 season.
Fortenberry, a towering 6ft 8in Texan, performed this groundbreaking move during the Berlin Olympics in 1936, leading the US basketball team to win the sport's first-ever gold medal. This dunk was likened to someone "dunking their roll into a cup of coffee," marking the birth of the term 'dunk' in basketball parlance.
The Evolution of the Dunk
Despite its exciting nature, the dunk was not immediately embraced by all. In fact, it was outlawed for some time in NCAA basketball, with the ban starting in 1967 and only being lifted in 1976. The NBA, however, saw the potential in this high-flying move and brought it back in 1984, featuring winners such as Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and Spud Webb in their Slam Dunk Contests.
The Free-Line Throw Dunk
One of the most iconic dunks in NBA history was performed by Julius Erving in 1976. A freeze frame from Erving's attempt reveals that he stepped a good foot beyond the charity stripe before taking flight. This effort, known as the free-line throw dunk, became a sensation in the weeks and months following his performance.
The First Official Dunk in NBA History
While Fortenberry's dunk was the first documented one, the first official dunk in NBA history was made by Bob Kurland of the St. Louis Bombers on November 9, 1946, in a game against the Toronto Huskies. This was the first-ever NBA regular season game, making Kurland's dunk a significant milestone in the league's history.
Conclusion
The dunk has come a long way since its inception, evolving from an unplanned move to a beloved highlight of the game. Today, it is not just about scoring points but also about showcasing creativity, athleticism, and finesse. From Joe Fortenberry's first dunk to Julius Erving's free-line throw dunk and beyond, the evolution of the dunk mirrors the growth and dynamism of basketball itself. As we look forward to more exciting games and breathtaking dunks, we pay homage to these pioneers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.