Dwight Howard explains origin of his Superman outfit

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard detailed the origin of his Superman outfit he wore in the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in a preview of a new documentary about his life. In a clip from "In The Moment," Howard explained how his cousin was able to source a costume the night before the event.

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard detailed the origin of the Superman outfit he wore in the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in a preview of a new documentary about his life.

In a clip from "In The Moment," Howard explained how he texted his cousin the night before the contest to help him procure the ensemble. The cousin found a complete outfit that even came with boots, which Howard didn't wear.

"I said, 'Man, I can't wear no boots out here for the Dunk Contest. Man, you trippin'," Howard recalled.

A member of the Orlando Magic at the time, Howard took off his jersey on the court as he prepared for a dunk, revealing the Superman outfit beneath. His then-teammate Jameer Nelson helped Howard don his cape, eliciting cheers from the crowd.  

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In another clip from the film, Howard named Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson - who did television play-by-play for Howard's famous 'Superman' dunk during the contest - as his inspiration as a child.

Howard said that he would watch a Johnson workout video and then attempt to replicate Magic's moves in his driveway.

Howard, 28, is averaging 19.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks this season for the 6-0 Rockets.

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"In The Moment" premieres Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Epix.​

- Paul Palladino