Spud Webb Recalls Legendary 1986 Dunk Contest Victory

The 5'4" guard shocked the world by defeating Dominique Wilkins in the iconic NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Forty years ago, Spud Webb, a 5'4" guard for the Atlanta Hawks, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NBA history by defeating the much taller Dominique Wilkins in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest. Webb, who was actually 5'4" that day (not the listed 5'7"), wowed the crowd with a series of gravity-defying dunks, including a reverse slam, a one-handed tomahawk, a double-clutch dunk, a 360-degree dunk, and a dunk where he bounced the ball off the court and backboard before slamming it home. Wilkins, known as the "Human Highlight Film," was stunned by Webb's performance, saying "Holy shit, where'd this come from?"

Why it matters

The 1986 Slam Dunk Contest is considered one of the greatest moments in NBA All-Star Weekend history. Webb's victory, as a relative unknown 5'4" player, over the high-flying Wilkins captivated the basketball world and helped launch Webb to stardom. The contest is still remembered fondly by fans and players alike four decades later.

The details

Webb, who honed his dunking skills by bouncing balls off the court and backboard at a rec center in his hometown of Dallas, was not even originally scheduled to compete in the dunk contest. But after appearing on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson the night before, the league invited him to join at the last minute. Despite being exhausted from the late night TV appearance, Webb put on a show, executing a series of creative and athletic dunks that left the crowd in awe and Wilkins in disbelief.

  • Forty years ago, in 1986, Spud Webb defeated Dominique Wilkins in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
  • Webb appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson the night before the dunk contest.
  • The 1986 Slam Dunk Contest took place at Reunion Arena in Dallas.

The players

Spud Webb

A 5'4" guard for the Atlanta Hawks who won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in a major upset over Dominique Wilkins.

Dominique Wilkins

A high-flying forward for the Atlanta Hawks known as the "Human Highlight Film" who was favored to win the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest but was upset by the much shorter Spud Webb.

Stan Kasten

The general manager of the Atlanta Hawks at the time, who urged the league to invite Spud Webb to compete in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest.

Mike Fratello

The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks in 1986, who was initially hesitant to keep Spud Webb on the team before Dominique Wilkins convinced him to give Webb a chance.

Johnny Carson

The host of "The Tonight Show", who had Spud Webb as a guest the night before the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When he beat me, I said, 'You little son of a … ' Because going in, I was like, 'Man, ain't nobody beating me in this dunk contest.' And here comes this little guy doing the stuff he does. I'm like, 'Holy shit, where'd this come from?'”

— Dominique Wilkins, Former Atlanta Hawks Teammate of Spud Webb (sportsbusinessjournal.com)

“He shocked the world. His timing on those dunks was impeccable. It was next level, bro. I told him, 'Man, I'm proud of you. This is going to put you on the map, bro.'”

— Dominique Wilkins, Former Atlanta Hawks Teammate of Spud Webb (sportsbusinessjournal.com)

“You can't cut this kid. Just wait.”

— Dominique Wilkins, Former Atlanta Hawks Teammate of Spud Webb (sportsbusinessjournal.com)

What’s next

Spud Webb continues to work in basketball operations for the G League's Texas Legends, keeping the legacy of his iconic 1986 dunk contest victory alive.

The takeaway

Spud Webb's improbable victory over Dominique Wilkins in the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest remains one of the most memorable and inspiring moments in basketball history, demonstrating that heart, skill, and determination can overcome physical limitations and defy expectations.