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1. 2014 Slam Dunk Winners
2. 2014 Slam Dunk Contest Winner

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons on Sunday was crowned the NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner, narrowly beating New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin.

In an abbreviated dunk contest at halftime of the All-Star Game at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, the 21-year-old, 6-3 Simons won the event. On his one dunk in the finals against Toppin, Simons. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is the high-flying staple of NBA All-Star Weekend. Saturday night becomes a stage for the best dunkers in the game to showcase their slamming ability with some added panache. Mascots, cars, birthday candles, and Superman impressions — everything is in play. The dunking crown isn't something that's worn lightly.

Simons and Toppin moved onto the final round after Indiana Pacers rookie Cassius Stanley was eliminated after his first two dunks. Stanley, who entered the event favored to win, recorded the lowest overall score after the first round by the five judges on hand.

From there, Simons and Toppin dueled with one final dunk attempt.

The scoring system was altered this year with the judges each selecting a winner, rather than scoring the dunks in the final round like past seasons. After the last two slams were finished, the judges named Simons the winner by a final vote of 3-2.

Simons recorded the highest score of the evening with his second dunk. He paid homage to Tracy McGrady and pulled out his throwback Toronto Raptors jersey and then threw down what the judges deemed the best dunk.

While Simons won, it wasn’t without controversy.

The prevailing thought on Twitter was Stanley was robbed on his first dunk by the judges: Dee Brown, Jason Richardson, Josh Smith, Spud Webb and Dominique Wilkins.

Stanley only earned a 44 from the group, while many thought he deserved a higher score.

Though Toppin ultimately lost to Simons in the final round, the Knicks rookie was the only contestant to use real-life props. With his second dunk, Toppin called upon his father and Knicks teammate Julius Randle, and then jumped right over them.

2014 Slam Dunk Winners

While the Dunk Contest this year lacked overall star power, the three participants put on an entertaining show during halftime of the All-Star Game. For an event that was put together rather last minute, the product still proved fun to watch.

2014 Slam Dunk Contest Winner

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!