Collins misses final in Slam Dunk Contest

John Collins did not advance to the finals of the Slam Dunk Contest after a two-dunk opening round during NBA All-Star Saturday Night in Charlotte.

The Hawks’ second-year forward went first of the four competitors. In his opening dunk, Collins grabbed the side of the backboard with his left hand and slammed with his right hand. The dunk scored an 8 (out of 10) from all five judges for a total of 40 points. He was third after the first round.

On his second dunk, Collins paid tribute to North Carolina’s history of flight. He began by bringing out five men dressed as Tuskegee Airmen. He positioned a large model of the Wright Brothers airplane under the basket. He then donned a leather hat,…