https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/965063187992264705
2) DM’s Dunk Contest win
If the 41-outburst against NOLA was his coming out party for the diehard crowd, Mitchell’s Slam Dunk Contest win during NBA All-Star Weekend was the moment he exploded into the national consciousness.
Mitchell had already shown himself to be a quick study, a go-to offensive player and a floor leader. During the Dunk Contest, he was able to wear his entertainer hat, which allowed his engaging personality and creative flair to shine through feats of aerial mastery and rim-rocking slammage.
While many will point to the Vince Carter homage he closed the contest with as the highlight of the night, my personal fave came when he tossed the ball off the backboard, caught it at waist level behind his back, then windmill-jammed it home for his second 50 of the competition.
In hindsight, it’s crazy to think that Mitchell almost didn’t participate. The only reason he got in was because of an injury to Aaron Gordon; props to Mitchell for making the league look silly for passing him over.
Next: No. 1