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How Many Dunks Have There Been in the WNBA?

The WNBA has seen 23 dunks so far. Only eight players have dunked in games. Brittney Griner has the most with 17. Lisa Leslie did the first one in  July 30, 2002. Dunks are rare but exciting in women’s basketball. The high rim makes it hard to dunk. But more players are doing it now. Fans love seeing these big plays.

Only 54 dunks have happened in this history.Just eight players have pulled off this feat. Brittney Griner leads with 17 slams. Lisa Leslie made history with the first in  July 30, 2002. While still uncommon, dunks are becoming more frequent. The high rim makes it a tough challenge.

Here’s a The WNBA has featured only a handful of dunks throughout its history. While the exact number is debated, it’s estimated that fewer than 30 dunks have occurred in official this games as of 2024. This rarity makes each dunk a memorable and celebrated event in women’s professional basketball

Counting WNBA Dunks Throughout History

Counting WNBA dunks is like tracking shooting stars. Each one is a special moment, celebrated by fans and players alike. Since the league’s start in 20 February 1992, only a small number of dunks have been recorded. These powerful plays showcase the growing athleticism in women’s basketball.

The First Dunk in WNBA History

The first dunk in WNBA history was a groundbreaking moment. It happened on July 30, 2002, during a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Miami Sol. Lisa Leslie, the Sparks’ star center, made history with this powerful play. The crowd erupted in cheers as Leslie threw down the ball.

How Many Dunks in WNBA History?

How Many Dunks in WNBA History

The number of dunks in this history remains surprisingly low. Since the league’s inception in 1997, fewer than 33 dunks have been recorded in official games. This scarcity makes each dunk a special event, celebrated by fans and players alike. As the league continues to grow and evolve, the number of dunks may increase.

Who Has the Most WNBA Dunks?

Brittney Griner holds the record for the most dunks in WNBA history. Since joining the league in 2013, she has amazed fans with her dunking ability. Griner’s powerful slams have become a highlight of Phoenix Mercury games. Her impressive height and athleticism give her an edge in performing this rare feat. 

Who is the Shortest WNBA Player to Dunk?

PlayerNumber of DunksYear(s)
Brittney Griner232013-present
Candace Parker22008 , 2023
Lisa Leslie21997–2009
Sylvia Fowles22008–2022
Liz Cambage22007–present
Michelle Snow12002–2018
Jonquel Jones12016–present
Total33

The shortest WNBA player to dunk in a regular season game is Liz Cambage. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, she’s not the shortest player in the league overall. Cambage made history on 2018, while playing for the Dallas Wings. Her powerful dunk against the New York Liberty electrified the crowd.

Best WNBA Dunks

Best WNBA Dunks

The best WNBA dunks are breathtaking displays of skill and power. Brittney Griner’s two-handed slam against Chicago in  May 27, 2013 stands out as a fan favorite. Liz Cambage’s historic dunk in 17 July 2018 electrified the crowd with its unexpected force. Jonquel Jones wowed spectators with her smooth one-handed dunk during the 24-Jul-2017 All-Star game.

Lisa Leslie’s Pioneering Dunk

Lisa Leslie’s historic dunk on July 30, 2002, was a game-changer for women’s basketball. Playing for the Los Angeles Sparks against the Miami Sol, Leslie made this history. The 6-foot-5 center received a pass, took two steps, and slammed the ball through the hoop. The crowd erupted in cheers as Leslie raised her arms in triumph.

Candace Parker’s Consecutive Game Slams

Candace Parker made this history with her consecutive game dunks. In  July 30, 2002, she became the first woman to dunk in back-to-back games. Playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker thrilled fans with her athletic prowess. Her first dunk came against the Indiana Fever on June 22.


Brittney Griner’s Day-One Dunks

Brittney Griner made a big splash in her WNBA debut. She dunked in her very first game with the Phoenix Mercury. It didn’t take long – she threw one down in the first quarter. Then, she did it again in the second quarter.

Griner wasn’t done showing off. She dunked twice more in her second game. Fans were amazed to see four dunks in just two games. It was clear that Griner was bringing something new and exciting to women’s basketball.

Historic Dunks Light Up the WNBA Playoffs

Playoff dunks in the WNBA are rare and special moments. Only six players have ever dunked in postseason games. Lisa Leslie made history with the first playoff dunk in 2002. Candace Parker shattered a backboard with her playoff slam in 2004. These high-stakes dunks show incredible skill and confidence.

Brittney Griner leads the pack with multiple playoff dunks. She threw down two alley-oops in a single game against Seattle. Michelle Snow and Candace Parker have also dunked to help their teams win crucial playoff games. These playoff dunks are unforgettable moments that fans talk about for years.

How Many WNBA Players Can Dunk?

How Many WNBA Players Can Dunk

Not many WNBA players can dunk in games. Only about 5 to 8 out of 144 players might be able to. Brittney Griner is the only one who dunks regularly. She’s super tall at 6’9″ and has done it 17 times in her career. A few others like Jonquel Jones and Brittney Sykes have dunked twice each.

Dunking is hard in the WNBA because the rim is high at 10 feet. Players need to be tall, jump really high, and have big hands. Some stars like A’ja Wilson might be able to dunk but haven’t yet. As players get more athletic, we might see more dunks in the future.

Why don’t WNBA Players Dunk more often?

Dunking isn’t as common in the WNBA as you might think. The rim is pretty high at 10 feet, making it tough for most players. It takes a special combo of height, jumping ability, and hand size to pull off a dunk. Most women players focus on other skills growing up.

There’s also some old-fashioned thinking that dunking isn’t “ladylike.” This might stop some players from trying. But things are changing. Players like Brittney Griner are showing that women can dunk too. As the league grows, we might see more high-flying action in the future.

Dunking Impact on the Game

WNBA dunks have a big impact on the game and fans. They get people excited and show how athletic women players can be. When stars like Candace Parker or Brittney Griner dunk, it makes highlight reels. These plays help more people get interested in women’s basketball.

Dunks also inspire young girls who play basketball. Seeing their heroes slam it down shows them what’s possible. It breaks old ideas about what women athletes can do. As more players dunk, it could change how the game is played. Dunks aren’t just cool to watch – they’re changing the sport.

Statistical Data about Dunks

The WNBA has seen 54 dunks total since it started. Only 8 players have ever dunked in a game. Brittney Griner is the dunk queen with 17 career slams. She once had 7 dunks in a single season, which is the record. The average WNBA player dunks about once every 4 games.

To dunk, you need to jump really high. Most dunkers can reach about 9’6″ in the air. The shortest dunker was 5’3″, which is pretty amazing. Only about 8% of WNBA players can probably dunk at all. The 10-foot rim makes it extra challenging compared to men’s leagues.

FAQ’s

How many total dunks have there been in WNBA history?

 As of 2022, there have been 37 dunks in WNBA history.

Who has the most dunks in WNBA history?

Brittney Griner holds the record with 17 career dunks.

When was the first dunk in a WNBA game?

Lisa Leslie performed the first WNBA dunk on July 30, 2002. 

How many WNBA players have dunked in a game?

Only 8 players have dunked in WNBA games.

What’s the record for most dunks in a WNBA season?

Brittney Griner set the record with 7 dunks in the 2014 season.

Conclusion

WNBA dunks are rare but exciting moments in women’s basketball. Only 54 dunks have happened since the league started in 1996. Eight players have managed to slam it down in games. Brittney Griner leads the pack with 17 career dunks.

These plays get fans excited and show off the growing athleticism in women’s basketball. While dunks are still uncommon due to the high rim and physical demands, they’re becoming more frequent. As the league grows and players get even more skilled, we might see more high-flying action in the future.

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