During the course of an NBA season, we get quite a few wow moments in many different ways. If it’s not a defender getting crossed up so badly he hits the canvas, it’s a rim-shattering dunk that makes folks rise up out of their seats. Sometimes it’s us watching in awe as players like Stephen Curry or Damian Lillard hit dagger game-clinching threes from 40 feet. But what Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green did to Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend should damn near be illegal. A new candidate for dunk of the year has entered the room.
That dunk by Green is the nastiest, most filthy in-game dunk seen in some time. The actual dunk itself isn’t completely out of the ordinary, but the entire scene of Green going up and over Simons and coming down with such thunder is what makes this. And the part where the announcer says, “On Simons dome!” That may have actually put it over the top.
Again, it’s the NBA so we see tons of dunks, but the way Green elevates and then goes up the ladder even more on Simons was a sight to behold. This was one of those situations where Simons would’ve been better off not jumping. Props to him for the attempt on defense, but good lord. Luckily for Simons, posters aren’t what they were 30 years ago. He still got posterized only it’ll live on the internet forever instead of the bedroom walls of young boys across the country. On second thought, living in infamy on the World Wide Web is probably worse.
As you can see, Green has no fear as he’s already competed in a slam dunk contest, although the result wasn’t what he’d hoped it would be. The simple fact that he participated says a lot about his competitive fire. Unlike others, who will remain nameless, but avoid the contest like a plague.
On the flip side of Green’s dunk, if you’re on the receiving end like Simons, it’s probably best to stay off social media for 24-48 hours. Because that clip is going to be replayed, analyzed and scrutinized to death just like we’ve done here. It’s all in good fun and happens to the best of ‘em. But for those who don’t like criticism, just put down your devices (if possible) and take a powder.
