Top Five Backboard Breaking Dunks of All-Time (Video)

Here is my own personal breakdown of the Top Five backboard breaking dunks of all time.

#1 – Michael Jordan in Spain – Many people have never seen this clip. It’s from a Nike sponsored exhibition game in Italy in 1986 (hence the poor quality and mid-thigh shorts). The clip wasn’t released until earlier this year and somehow it still hasn’t blown up. I know this is pre-breakaway rims… but it’s Jordan!

#2 – Shaquille O’Neal in NBA – I remember watching this highlight with my dad and freaking out. First guy to actually rip down the entire hoop. (BONUS CLIP: Shaq breaks backboard in his pre-draft combine aka PRACTICE)

#3 – Darryl Dawkins in NBA – I really think he has the most explosive/powerful dunks of anyone on this list. He didn’t even have to hang on the rim to break it! My vote for best two-handed tomahawk dunks ever. Some might put him at #1 but remember this was before breakaway rims were used.

#4 – Jerome Lane in college – Former NBA player Jerome Lane drops one of the nastiest dunks ever… and happens to posterize a dude and break the backboard in the process. Transition dunks always make for the most exciting plays in basketball.

#5 – Darvin Ham in college – This dunk is from his college days when he played for Texas Tech. He is currently in the NBA development league.