SportsPulse: As we head into the second half of the NBA season, USA TODAY Sports' Mark Media breaks down three key storylines that will dominate the lead-up to the playoffs.
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.
Judges Dominque Wilkins, Dee Brown and Jason Richardson voted for Simons’ dunk.
On his first dunk of the first round, Simons placed a basketball on a platform attached the backboard 18 inches above the rim.
The three contestants were paired with a historically black college or university to provide "financial support for students, faculty or programs that address emergency aid, technology needs, food insecurities and mental health services exacerbated by the pandemic," according to the NBA.
Each HBCU represented by the players will receive a $50,000 donation toward their respective school, with the winner adding an additional $100,000.
- 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Every finish from Anfernee Simons, Obi Toppin and Cassius StanleyCBSSports.com
- Anfernee Simons blows rim a kiss, wins dunk contest (video)Yahoo Sports
- Portland Trail Blazers' Anfernee Simons blows a kiss to rim in winning NBA dunk contestESPN
- Who won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2021? Full results & highlights from All-Star weekendSporting News
- Sabonis wins All-Star Skills Challenge, Stanley falls short in Dunk ContestFox 59
- Pacers' Cassius Stanley thought he got 'robbed' in Slam Dunk Contest, Twitter agreesThe Indianapolis Star
- Blazers' Anfernee Simons wins dunk contestINQUIRER.net
- Anfernee Simons pays homage to Raptors great Tracy McGrady during Dunk ContestYahoo Canada Sports
- NBA players react to Anfernee Simons winning the Slam Dunk ContestThe Rookie Wire
