After running a well-executed offensive set, a cutter receives the ball as he jets down the middle of the lane, where he meets a defender at the rim. “Oohs” and “aahs” ensue, or silence fills the arena.
The sound of the rim-rattling or the whistle from a referee signaling an and-1 only make the play worse for the posterized defender. Teammates jumping up and holding each other back on the bench boost the dunker’s ego further.
A poster jam can drastically change the game.
There has been no shortage of posters throughout the 2024 NBA playoffs, the most recent from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams in Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Here’s a look at the best poster dunks of each series during this year’s postseason.
Conference semifinals
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 2: Jalen Williams
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets, Game 1: Michael Porter Jr.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 2: Caris LeVert
OG’s POSTER FROM EVERY ANGLE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JzM2vJJMJa
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 3, 2024
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks, Game 1: Myles Turner
First round
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers, play-in: LeBron James
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns, Game 4: Anthony Edwards
LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 6: Daniel Gafford
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans, Game 3: Trey Murphy III
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat, Game 4: Derrick White
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, Game 4: Moritz Wagner
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers, Game 1: Brook Lopez
Caris showing off the VERTical! @CarisLeVert | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Whb7NyqnlF
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 9, 2024
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Game 6: OG Anunoby
SMASH MOUNTAIN. pic.twitter.com/A4a4vzUnO5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2024