Who won the 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

Zach LaVine won the 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard successfully defended the title he had first won in 2015, becoming the first back-to-back champion since Nate Robinson in 2009 and 2010.

Held in Toronto during NBA All-Star Weekend, the contest became a memorable head-to-head duel between LaVine and Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon. LaVine advanced to the final round alongside Gordon, where both delivered spectacular dunks and repeatedly earned perfect scores from the judges.

LaVine ultimately prevailed after the competition went into an additional dunk-off. His performance included a 360 windmill and several dunks from near the free-throw line, highlighting the exceptional athleticism that had made him one of the league’s most exciting young players.

A common mix-up is remembering Aaron Gordon as the winner because many fans considered his performance equally impressive—or even their personal choice for victory. Officially, however, LaVine received the title, while Gordon finished as the runner-up.