The Dunk of the Year? A Deep Dive into Shaedon Sharpe’s Poster
Shaedon Sharpe’s vicious one-handed slam over Justin Champagnie on February 26, 2025, has taken the basketball world by storm. The sheer athleticism, impact, and buzz surrounding this dunk have led many to call it the best of the year. But is it truly the Dunk of the Year, or could something else top it before the season ends? Let’s break it all down.
The Play: A Breakdown
Sharpe’s dunk wasn’t just about raw power—it was a perfect storm of circumstances that made it an instant classic.
1?? The Setup: A Defensive Play into Transition
- Sharpe intercepted an outlet pass, instantly turning defense into offense.
- He accelerated down the court, leaving defenders scrambling to recover.
2?? The Elevation: A High-Flying Takeoff
- With Champagnie between him and the rim, Sharpe launched himself with a one-handed grip on the ball.
- His hang time made it look effortless, setting up a posterizing finish.
3?? The Finish: A One-Handed Hammer
- Sharpe threw it down with authority, absorbing contact mid-air.
- He came crashing to the floor after completing the dunk, adding to the drama.
4?? The Crowd’s Reaction: Instant Shock & Hype
- The entire arena erupted as fans, commentators, and even opposing players reacted.
- Social media immediately exploded, with fans calling it one of the best dunks in recent memory.
Why This Dunk Stands Out
While the NBA sees hundreds of impressive dunks every season, not all are created equal. Sharpe’s slam had all the right ingredients for an all-time great highlight.
The Posterization Factor
- Dunking on a defender always boosts a play’s status.
- Champagnie wasn’t just nearby—he was completely dunked on.
The Combination of Power & Grace
- It wasn’t just brute force—Sharpe made it look smooth while delivering a thunderous finish.
- The way he contorted his body mid-air showcased his unreal athleticism.
The Timing & Context
- This wasn’t just any game—it was during Sharpe’s best performance ever (36 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists).
- The Blazers won the game, making the dunk even more memorable.
The Buzz: Fans & Media Reaction
- The dunk has gone viral—from highlight reels to Twitter debates.
- NBA analysts have compared it to Vince Carter’s iconic slams, which is elite company.
- Major sports outlets have declared it a Dunk of the Year contender.
But Is It The Dunk of the Year?
While Sharpe’s dunk is an undeniable highlight, the race isn’t over yet. There are still weeks left in the season, and other players could deliver equally jaw-dropping moments.
Potential Challenges to the Throne
- Other Elite Dunkers: Players like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Edwards have a reputation for insane in-game dunks.
- Clutch Moments: A game-winning dunk in a playoff setting could surpass this one in importance.
- Bigger Opponents: Some might argue a dunk over a star center (like Gobert or Embiid) would be even more impressive.
What Makes a Dunk "Dunk of the Year"?
- Difficulty: Sharpe checks this box with an in-game steal, fast break, and contested finish.
- Poster Factor: He absolutely bodied Champagnie—huge points for that.
- Hype & Longevity: If people are still talking about it in June, it’s likely the best dunk of the season.
The Verdict
Shaedon Sharpe’s dunk is, as of now, the best of the season.
It has the hype, execution, and impact to be remembered for years.
If no other dunk surpasses it in difficulty or context, this could very well be THE Dunk of the Year.
However, the NBA season isn’t over, and other challengers could emerge.
For now? This is the dunk to beat. Watch the replays, enjoy the poster, and stay tuned—because the highlight reels are still rolling.