Basketball fans around the world were left in awe when Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic executed a jaw-dropping dunk during the 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Known for his incredible leaping ability, Gordon took it up a notch by jumping over the team's mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon, to complete his dunk. This dunk is arguably one of the most memorable moments in NBA dunk contest history. In the final round of the contest, Gordon, considered one of the favorites to win, approached the court with confidence. As the crowd held their breath in anticipation, Gordon began his approach from the opposite end of the court. With precision and immense power, he launched himself into the air, clearing the 6'7" mascot who was standing just in front of the hoop.

MAGIC PLUS

Efficient and powerful blade design for touring. Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades in bright colors are lightweight and durable. The asymmetrical, slightly curved blade shape combined with a lightweight, flexible fiberglass shaft produces smooth yet powerful strokes.

Glass-filled polypropylene blades are both lightweight and durable

Asymmetrical, slightly curved blade shape produces smooth, efficient strokes

Lightweight, yet strong, the wrapped fiberglass shaft has an ovalized grip

Rubber drip rings help to keep hands and legs dry while paddling

No-fail push-button take down allow blades to be feathered at 60-degrees or set inline, for right or left-handed control

Carlisle Magic Plus Inflatable Kayak Breakdown Paddle

The Carlisle Magic Plus kayak paddle has an efficient and powerful blade design for touring; or for paddlers who spend a lot of time on the water and want a lighter paddle. The balanced asymmetrical blades reduce torque and minimize wrist fatigue. Slight spooning in the blades grab more water, providing the power needed when paddling a typical 9 to 12-foot recreational kayak. The wound fiberglass shaft provides a sweet compromise between the stiffness needed for a strong paddle stroke and the flex needed to reduce stress on your joints.

Sturdy Construction

The Magic Plus paddle is built to last, with a wrapped fiberglass shaft and durable glass-filled polypropylene blades. Balanced, efficient, and versatile this paddle performs well in both open waters and near rocky shorelines.

Long-Distance Efficiency

The well-balanced asymmetrical blade design on the Magic Plus reduces torque and flutter so you’ll feel less wrist fatigue and can stay on the water longer. The slightly spooned shape moves more water to efficiently propel your kayak through the water.

Compared to aluminum, the fiberglass shaft has a warm touch in cool weather and is cool when it’s hot.

Easy Break Down

When you’re done for the day, the Magic Plus breaks down into two pieces for easy transport and storage. You can also use the no-fail push-button take down to feather the blades at 60 degrees for right- or left-handed control.

Carlisle Magic Plus Paddles

The Carlisle® Magic Plus Kayak Paddle offers plenty of durability in a lightweight design. You’ll enjoy a smooth, efficient stroke all season long thanks to the asymmetrical, slightly curved blade shape, while the wrapped fiberglass shaft and reinforced glass blade round out the Magic Plus’ features.

FEATURES:

• Designed for kayaking
• Produces smooth, efficient strokes
• Reinforced-glass design with polypropylene
• Asymmetrical, slightly curved blade shape
• Reinforced glass blade
• Wrapped fiberglass shaft
• Durable, lightweight design

With precision and immense power, he launched himself into the air, clearing the 6'7" mascot who was standing just in front of the hoop. The crowd erupted with a mixture of astonishment and amazement as Gordon gracefully slammed the ball into the net. Fans and fellow players couldn't believe their eyes, with some even questioning whether it was real or a trick.

Carlisle Magic Plus Paddles Specifications

By jumping over the mascot, Gordon demonstrated not only his extraordinary athletic ability, but also his creativity and showmanship. This dunk showcased his fearless and audacious approach to the game, which has made him a fan favorite. The image of Gordon soaring through the air, with the mascot crouching beneath him, has become iconic in the world of basketball. It perfectly encapsulates the excitement and spectacle of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where athletes push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. While Gordon ultimately did not win the contest that year, his dunk left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike. It solidified his status as one of the most electrifying athletes in the NBA and cemented his place in the history of the Slam Dunk Contest. This dunk will forever be remembered as a moment of pure athleticism and entertainment..

Reviews for "Anatomy of a Dunk: Breaking Down Aaron Gordon's Mascot Leap"

1. Julia - 2/5

I was really disappointed with "Aaron Gordon jumps over the mascot for a dunk." For starters, the build-up was far too long and the actual dunk itself wasn't that impressive. The mascot wasn't even that tall, so it didn't really showcase Gordon's jumping ability. Overall, it felt like a gimmick to gain attention rather than a true display of skill.

2. Michael - 3/5

I have mixed feelings about "Aaron Gordon jumps over the mascot for a dunk." While the idea was clever and generated a lot of buzz, the execution fell short for me. The dunk itself was decent, but I expected something more jaw-dropping given the hype surrounding it. Additionally, I felt like the whole act took away from the overall game and disrupted the flow. It was more of a distraction than a highlight.

3. Samantha - 1/5

I hated "Aaron Gordon jumps over the mascot for a dunk." It was such a pointless and overrated stunt. The whole thing seemed rehearsed and lacked the spontaneity and excitement that I expect from a dunk contest. I didn't understand how this was supposed to be impressive or groundbreaking. It was just another attempt to create a viral moment, but it fell flat in my opinion.

4. Ryan - 2/5

"Aaron Gordon jumps over the mascot for a dunk" was highly underwhelming. The dunk didn't live up to the anticipation, and the mascot's role felt forced and unnecessary. Gordon is a talented player, but this moment felt like a publicity stunt rather than a genuine basketball showcase. I would have preferred to see him pull off a more impressive and skillful dunk, rather than relying on theatrics to gain attention.

From the Sidelines: Witnessing Aaron Gordon's Mascot-Jumping Dunk