Glenn Robinson III isn’t the only Indiana Pacers player to win the NBA dunk contest. In fact, Fred Jones won in 2004, and Darnell Hillman won in 1977. But something was different about the 1977 contest. Hillman never received his trophy ... not until Wednesday night, at least. While Hillman and Fred Jones were on hand to celebrate Robinson’s recent win, the Pacers made sure Hillman got his trophy as well. The best part is Hillman was completely surprised by the gesture from the Pacers.
Darnell Hillman won the NBA dunk contest in 1977. He finally got a trophy 40 years later
This was such a great moment from the Pacers.
Look at how happy he is!
Hillman won the dunk contest in 1977 back when it was quite different than what you are used to currently seeing. The contest ran all through the regular season, with each team having one player involved. Players would essentially have dunk-offs when their teams would play. Hillman eventually won, beating the likes of Julius Erving and George Gervin. You don’t get the nickname Dr. Dunk for nothing.
Shoutout to the Pacers for getting this man his trophy. Great story.
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