Hall Of Fame Inductee Vince Carter's Dunk Over Alonzo Mourning Remains A Top Moment In Miami Heat History

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 3, 2024

Jan 12, 2020; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Vince Carter (15) dribbles up court - Vincent Carchietta/USA Today / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter had plenty of highlight-worthy dunks during his NBA career.

One of them happened Nov. 7, 2005 against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center, which was known as AmericanAirlines Arena at the time. Carter, who was reportedly chosen as Hall of Fame inductee Wednesday, had a memorable moment that landed Heat legend Alonzo Mourning on the unfortunate end of a poster dunk.

At the time, Carter was playing for the then New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn). The play began with Nets forward Richard Jefferson missing a layup. The ball richoted out to the free throw line to Carter. While gathering the ball, he dribbled behind his back around Heat guard Jason Williams.

Carter then headed to the rim and threw down a one-handed slam over Mourning, one of the league's most intimidating defenders. The dunk interrupted when Heat play-by-play announcer Eric Reid was in the middle of saying they were holding their largest lead of the game.

"Talk about large," Reid said. "How about that slam dunk from Vince Carter. What body control and power by Carter."

An eight-time All-Star, Carter played 22 seasons for eight teams. His best years came with the Toronto Raptors and Nets. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 1,541 regular-season games. Carter was also the Rookie of the Year in 1999.

While he was a prolific scorer throughout his career, he was best known for his dunks. Many have called him the best in-game dunker in league history. He won the slam dunk contest in 2000