If only the Michigan State Spartans showed the same energy Charlotte Hornets rookie and former Spartans star Miles Bridges brought to Tuesday’s meeting with the Atlanta Hawks, then they wouldn’t be down big at the half against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Here’s Bridges rising and exploding at the rim for what can be considered as an early-season candidate for Dunk of the Year.

There’s no way Hawks big man Dewayne Dedmon was going to stop Bridges in that play, but it’s not as if he had any choice other than meeting the rookie midair and risking the chance of being an aerial sacrificial lamb, which he turned out to be. The NBA newcomer also added to the aesthetic of his dunk by fully extending his body, which also showed how athletically gifted Bridges is.

Bridges certainly brought the house down with that throwdown and even prompted this golden reaction from teammate and Hornets star Kemba Walker

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Hornets head coach James Borrego has yet to give a regular starting role for Miles Bridges, but it may be only a matter of time before Charlotte stops inserting the inconsistent Marvin Williams in the starting unit in favor of Bridges. Charlotte fans probably would like to see that happen sooner than later, especially if Bridges continue to provide highlight plays like one he just had against Atlanta.