Who in the WNBA can dunk?

By Jocelyn Alano May 07, 2024 04:40

Photo by Chris Marion/Getty Images

The ability to dunk in basketball is often associated with the men's game, but the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has seen several talented players showcase their dunking skills over the years.

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie, a trailblazer in the WNBA, holds the distinction of being the first woman to dunk in the league's history. This historic moment occurred on July 30, 2002, during a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Miami Sol.

Leslie's dunk, born out of frustration and determination to turn the game around, marked a significant milestone for the WNBA.

Notably, Leslie repeated this feat on July 9, 2005, once again against the Miami Sol in Los Angeles. Furthermore, she became the first WNBA player to execute a dunk in an All-Star game, solidifying her legacy in the realm of women's basketball.

Candace Parker

🏀 @Candace_Parker became the second player to dunk in a regular game! pic.twitter.com/BmZOKZNmfG
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 12, 2021

Candace Parker, during her tenure with the LA Sparks, achieved the distinction of being the second woman in WNBA history to execute a dunk in a regular-season game on June 22, 2008.

This one-handed slam came off a steal against the Indiana Fever, captivating fans and underlining Parker's exceptional athleticism and skill.

Parker's dunking prowess extends beyond the WNBA, as she also holds the record for being the first woman to dunk in the NCAA tournament history.

Sylvia Fowles

Sylvia Fowles entered the WNBA dunk club during the 2009 All-Star game, where she showcased her athleticism with an uncontested one-handed jam, leaving an indelible mark on the league's history. Fowles' ability to dunk added a new dimension to her already impressive skill set and further emphasized the evolving nature of the women's game.

Her impact was not confined to a single moment, as she continued to display her dunking ability in the 2022 All-Star game, delivering a breakaway dunk from an intercepted pass, demonstrating her sustained athleticism and agility on the court.

Liz Cambage

Australian center Liz Cambage, representing the Dallas Wings, joined the exclusive list of WNBA dunkers with a one-handed slam during the 2018 All-Star game. Cambage's ability to execute a dunk added an international dimension to the WNBA's dunking legacy and emphasized the global appeal of the sport.

Notably, Cambage's dunking prowess extended beyond the WNBA, as she also became the first woman to dunk during an Olympic game in the 2012 London Games, further solidifying her status as a transcendent athlete.

Evolution of Dunking in the WNBA

The history of dunking in the WNBA is a testament to the remarkable talent and athleticism of the players who have left an indelible mark on the league.

From Lisa Leslie's pioneering dunk to the sustained excellence of players like Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles, and Liz Cambage, the WNBA has witnessed a transformative evolution in the realm of dunking.

These exceptional athletes have shattered stereotypes and redefined expectations, showcasing the skill, determination, and athleticism that are synonymous with the WNBA.