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<div><span id="m_-2092141782617832424gmail-docs-internal-guid-bb27737d-7fff-3697-05d8-6ce69444e1e4">Mike Sielski is the author of four books, including Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk and The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality. He has been a sports columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Inquirer.com since 2013 and was formerly a reporter at The Wall Street Journal.</span></div>
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Mike Sielski

David Lattin (42) and a Texas Western teammate compete for control of a rebound as Kentucky's Tommy Kron, left, and Pat Riley , right, look on during the 1966 NCAA Photos via Getty Images Championship. Texas Western defeated Kentucky 72-65 for the championship title and was the first team to have an.. all-.black starting five compete in the NCAA final

Book Excerpts That Don't Suck

How The Dunk Was Banned

Patrick Redford

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 15: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies tries to dunk over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on January 15, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Ja Morant Summited Mount Wembanyama

Giri Nathan

Baylor's VJ Edgecombe dunks over Gonzaga's Joe Few

College Basketball

Mark Few Sends His Son To Slaughter

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 28: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves slam dunks the ball ahead of Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 122-116 and win the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

More Ant Dunks!

Anthony Edwards Is The Master Of Mutually Assured Destruction


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

Things We Actually Like

Forget The Elam Ending, TBT’s Dunk Contest Is The Real Game-Changer

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Jerami Grant Has Things Covered

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 11: Bronny James #0 of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers handles the ball during the Hoophall West tournament against the Perry Pumas at Footprint Center on December 11, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

High School Sports

Bronny James, Basketball Player, Begins To Take Shape

Albert Burneko

Behold, The Nerdiest Question Ever Asked At An NBA Press Conference

Andrew Wiggins Is Still Andrew Wiggins, Kind Of

Ja Morant and teammates celebrate after his buzzer beater to end the first. half