Blake Griffin and 8 NBA Players Who Play Way Above the Rim

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Everyone loves the slam dunk.

Guard play usually means wins, but playing above the rim means highlights.

It doesn't matter if it's a high flyer or a guy that can throw it down with power—everyone loves the guys who can play way above the rim.

There are a ton of players who play above the rim, but after Blake Griffin's monster dunk Tuesday night, let's take a look at the eight guys who do it the most often.

Blake Griffin

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In only his second year in the league, Griffin has done some amazing things already.

His dunk over Kendrick Perkins was just icing on the cake.

Griffin's the NBA's best dunker, and he does it with both an amazing leaping ability and tremendous power.

He's the best at playing above the rim.

LeBron James

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Just ask John Lucas if James lives above the rim.

While there is much more to his game then dunking, LeBron is one of the game's best in the air and has a highlight reel of his own that rivals Griffin's.

JaVale McGee

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The young Wizards center isn't only among the game's top dunkers, but he plays above the rim on the defensive end as well, as he's a very good rebounder and shot blocker.

DeAndre Jordan

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Jordan may be the guy who's benefited the most from the Clippers' acquisition of Chris Paul.

The two have developed great chemistry, and we know where the name Lob City came from, as Jordan has been the recipient of several lobs from Paul so far.

Jordan can create just as many highlights on the defensive end, though, as he's an outstanding shot blocker.

Dwight Howard

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It doesn't matter if it's rebounding, blocking shots or dunking the ball, Howard owns the rim.

The multiple Defensive Player of the Year award winner is also second in the NBA in dunks, behind Griffin.

Tyson Chandler

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This may come as a surprise to many, considering Chandler's reputation is that of a defensive stopper, but offensively almost all of his points come above the rim.

Surprisingly, Chandler has the sixth-most dunks in the NBA, and his rebounding speaks for itself.

Andrew Bynum

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Bynum has broken out this season.

Defensively, he can rise and control the glass and his having a career year in both rebounding and blocked shots.

Offensively, his improved post game has resulted in the eighth-most dunks in the NBA this season.

Rudy Gay

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Some may also be surprised to see Gay on this list, but he can out-jump almost every defender that matches up against him.

He's got good length and great athletic ability and ranks among the NBA's top dunkers.