NBA: Power Ranking the Best In-Game Dunkers

Basketball is a game of finesse, speed, and athleticism. However, every once in a while, there comes a player whose specialty lies with monstrous dunks that leave the rim rattling and the crowd cheering. Whether it is a posterization or a fast break, these players have proven over the course of their careers that they are the best at dunking within a game.

10. Russell Westbrook

Raymond Felton looks scared. I think I would feel the same way.

Russell Westbrook, the phenomenally athletic point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has the hops and the strength to create some huge dunks. His athleticism and finishing ability are great complements to Kevin Durant's shooting touch.

9. Amar'e Stoudemire

No one in this shot wants to get in Amar'e's way.

Stoudemire has been a powerful force since arriving on the scene in Phoenix. He had Steve Nash serving up easy dunks on a platter for most of his career, so he learned early that he could power through virtually everyone.

8. Dwayne Wade

Dwayne Wade, the captain and leader of the star-studded Heat, has made a living slashing to the hoop, either for a layup, or for one of his trademark dunks. Wade can dunk with the entire opposing team underneath him, or on a fast break with no one around.

7. JR Smith

JR Smith is probably one of the most immature players in the NBA; however, there's no denying the kid's got talent. He lives to shoot threes and to throw down ferocious dunks, both of which he does, with predictably incredible results.

6. DeMar Derozan

I know, I know. This is from the Dunk Contest, so it isn't an in-game dunk. But just look at that picture.

Derozan is an up-and-coming star for the Raptors, who is developing rapidly from the player who first came into the league who could just dunk. But yes, he can still dunk. Whenever he dunks in a game, the announcers in Toronto say "DeMar Derozan, De-rising up!" Classic.

5. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose can dunk. He is probably the best finisher around the rim that we have today. He can do reverse layups, twisting bank shots, tear drops, and much more. But above all else, he can dunk.

4. Dwight Howard

Superman himself. The best defensive player in the league. Certainly the best center. And a great in-game dunker. Dwight is simultaneously stronger and faster than most other centers he faces, so he will oftentimes just spin around them and throw it down over their heads.

3. Josh Smith

J Smoove is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, and he is unstoppable when going for a dunk, especially on the fast break. If he would just stop trying to be a jump shooter, and instead do this every play, I personally would watch every Hawks game.

2. LeBron James

Probably the greatest physical specimen the NBA has ever seen. The most talented player alive. LeBron is physically gifted to the point where it is a bit ludicrous. Along with that comes a fantastic leaping ability and amazing speed. These combine to make LeBron the second best in-game dunker in the NBA. How long does the world have to wait before this guy does a dunk contest?

1. Blake Griffin

There is a video on NBA.com which shows each and every dunk Blake Griffin made this year. It is frankly incredible. Griffin, only 22, has made his mark on the league after just one season. His high-flying style of play caught the imagination of crowds around the league and lent the Clippers some degree of relevancy (an amazing feat in its own right). I can only say "I'm sorry" to the dozens of players that are destined to be posterized in the near future.