Dwight Howard and Derrick Jones Jr. announced their intention to take part in the slam dunk contest at next month's NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago, though the marquee event came early, with countless highlight reel dunk stealing the show on a huge night of games around the league.
Catch up on the best of the night, as we relive the moments that brought fans to their feet right across the league.
ZION
We are getting to the dunks, don't worry. And I know this doesn't qualify, but it was an incredible highlight in the midst of an incredible burst from Zion in his NBA debut.
On this night, we just needed to add some Zion.
Zo finds Zion over the top of everybody! pic.twitter.com/DpgAcqq2gw
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 23, 2020
The Fox is loose
De'Aaron Fox explodes to the rack.
🦊 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 like Super Saiyan manga ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/DYWQx3USOQ
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 23, 2020
LeBron at MSG
LeBron James returned to Madison Square Garden and wasted no time throwing down a trademark jam against the Knicks.
Blink and you’ll miss that fast break 💨
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 23, 2020
(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/6z29K53W3G
00 is back at it again
Former slam dunk champion, Aaron Gordon throws one down on Nerlens Noel
😳 MY G0️⃣0️⃣DNESS 😳@Double0AG put 'em on a poster! pic.twitter.com/6ya5zbxJqP
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 23, 2020
Beal x 2
Bradley Beal is having a monster season for the Wizards, and he added two big-time dunks in his 38-point night against Miami.
ON HIS HEAD 😤 pic.twitter.com/AXw7MJe7RA
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 23, 2020
Split the defense and...
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 23, 2020
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF! 🛫#WizHeat | @RealDealBeal23 pic.twitter.com/IlP3lH2S7p
JJ bringing the Heat
James Johnson hasn't seen much floor time this season, but he throws one down on the Wizards with AUTHORITY.
JJ Slammer 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/Up7wPDTIrR
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 23, 2020
Beastbrook
Russell Westbrook continues his career-long assault on the rims with this ferocious throwdown against Denver.
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/SRS2TLUbOQ
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 23, 2020