All-Star forward Paul George was utterly proud of his Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Hamidou Diallo bringing back a trophy to OKC after winning the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night.
Diallo showcased an incredible display of athleticism and creativity, besting the likes of John Collins, Miles Bridges, and lastly Dennis Smith Jr. to close out the festivities before the big show on Sunday.
“I’m super proud of him,” said George, according to Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated. “There’s really no advice to give someone who is better than you. There’s no way I could jump as good as him before or after my injury. He’s a freak of nature. He owned the spotlight.”
Diallo's most memorable dunk had him leapfrogging the 7-foot-1 (though slouched) Shaquille O'Neal, clearing a rather tall bar to slam it home honey-dip style, a la Vince Carter in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest.
DIALLO REALLY DID THE VINCE ELBOW DUNK OVER SHAQ pic.twitter.com/NmH9vUWyFI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2019
George wouldn't fall far behind, though slamming home a wrong-footed one-handed 360 in the second quarter of Sunday's game, showing he still has some in-game antics to display.
PG went 360 🔥#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/9QDm6uNBqM
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 18, 2019
Diallo surely has the vertical advantage over the older George, but the six-time All-Star still has some in-game creativity and a strong 6-foot-9 frame to deliver some thunderous slams from time to time.
George would actually know a thing or two of being a high-riser as a former participant of the contest himself.
George took part in the 2012 and the 2014 Slam Dunk Contests but fell short on both. Here are some of his best dunks.
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