Introduction+of+the+Dunk+Contest

When the dunk contest that Julius Erving dominated in 1976 was introduced, it sparked a new idea for festivities. At the annual NBA all-star game, the dunk contest between the highest flyers of the league is always the most popular event, besides the game itself. It was first introduced in the ABA, but the first year it took place in the ABA was also the last, as the ABA and NBA merged in 1976. The next time the contest would take place was in, with Larry Nance taking home the title. Since then, the dunk contest has been one of the most heralded festivities of the NBA All-Star weekend. Everyone who tunes in looks forward to seeing new dunks that are rated on a one to ten scale by celebrity judge. The most creative dunker who incorporates props or highest flyer will win and take home the hardware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyjUe-GWW1A&edufilter=wEVLZJ6d7xNxQz8CLNMG2g&safe=active

"History of the Dunk Contest" //NBA.com.// 4 July 2013