OAKLAND, Calif. — It happened in Oakland but it’s clearly one of the most electrifying nights in Toronto sports history. Even Vince Carter himself admits it jump-started the "Vinsanity" portion of his career.
The dunk contest was dying a slow death by the turn of the century, as the NBA’s stars were refusing to take part – and the dunks from those who did were for the most part unimaginative.
But that all changed two days before Valentine’s Day 2000, at All-Star Saturday Night here in Oakland.
Carter is in town doing media for the 2018 NBA Finals and sat down to talk about that magical night almost two decades ago.
And like a golfer recalling every shot, I was struck by the incredible detail in his recollection and the fact he completely changed his game plan for the contest just before his name was called.
*Note: Carter begins his discussion of the 2000 Dunk Contest at the 2:50 mark of the video below.
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