Few sporting events manage to mix the unbelievable with the unnecessary in the way that the slam dunk contest, held annually during the NBA All Star weekend, does.
Unbelievable athleticism coupled with unerring accuracy and stunning grace are combined with largely ludicrous props, from convertibles to mascots on hoverboard segways.
Never quite sure if you're dreaming or awake, you end up watching in awe as the surreal and the sublime meet and this year the main battle was between Zach LaVine of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Aaron Gordon of Orlando Magic.
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Each dunk more ridiculous than the last, LaVine was the eventual winner, but not before Gordon had produced two stunning efforts which featured the use of the aforementioned hovering mascot.
It certainly offered a bit more entertainment than the Georgian All Star game did recently.
When you watch last night's dunk contest highlights #NBAAllStarTO https://t.co/hd6QFtvdbw
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) February 14, 2016
