Airplane Turbulence: Derrick Jones Jr. Dunk Contest Debate Rages

He promised all 50s, no matter how many it took.

And while Derrick Jones Jr. didn’t deliver that, he did give the Heat their first Slam Dunk championship since Harold Minor in 1995, beating Aaron Gordon in the final round.

Derrick Jones Jr… this was NASTY. pic.twitter.com/9YqX6Whkjm

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 16, 2020

The 2020 #ATTSlamDunk champion… DERRICK JONES JR.!#HEATTwitter #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/pR2VAznv8u

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2020

THE DUNK THAT WON THE DUNK CONTEST FOR DERRICK JONES JR. 😱🔥 pic.twitter.com/Cr7mJ0wbg5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2020

Even so, it’s clear many don’t want to give him the proper respect.

Including Gordon.

Aaron Gordon when asked if Dwyane Wade being a judge played into his 47 on the last dunk:

"I don't know who gave me the 9s, but I'm gon' find em." pic.twitter.com/rs2trGpluJ

— ahhhhhh (dats me yellin) (@NekiasNBA) February 16, 2020

Nearly 24 hours after the completion of the contest, the dunk contest — and Jones Jr’s win — was still a top trending topic on Twitter, with many pointing to former teammate Dwyane Wade’s ruling as a judge as the reason Jones reigned. And many are saying Gordon nearly taking off the head of Celtics 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall warranted more than a 47 out of 50. Wade gave Gordon a 9 for it.

Dwyane Wade calculating the score he needed to give Aaron Gordon to make sure Derrick Jones Jr. won pic.twitter.com/S8rAD5a4sw

— bluewirepods (@bluewirepods) February 16, 2020

Still, Jones Jr. isn’t giving the trophy back, or giving an inch.

Derrick Jones Jr. had some strong words after defeating Aaron Gordon in the 2020 slam dunk contest. pic.twitter.com/YhNRn8mXml

— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2020

Here are some of the tweets that tell the story:

DJJ when asked if he felt like he was freestyling after it went to the dunk-off stage:

"No? I had this planned. I knew every dunk I was going to do, even if it went to overtime."

Asked if he had 5 more:

"Yeah if I needed it. I'm 23, bro, I got legs for days."@5ReasonsSports

— ahhhhhh (dats me yellin) (@NekiasNBA) February 16, 2020

DJJ on his 48 and Aaron Gordon's 47@5ReasonsSports pic.twitter.com/Q9pCsAKQjM

— ahhhhhh (dats me yellin) (@NekiasNBA) February 16, 2020

Whatever the NBA world thinks, Miami won 2 of the 3 titles on All-Star Saturday night, with Jones’ buddy Bam Adebayo capturing the Skills Competition.

As we’ve said, it’s safe to hate the Heat again.

They appear to enjoy it….

bUt I sHoUlDn’T hAvE wOn👀🤦🏽‍♂️😂 https://t.co/RDc1Asmgyi

— Derrick Jones Jr. (@TheRea1DJones) February 16, 2020

Still, the Magic fans who can’t jump over a coach’s resignation letter are sending slander to Jones on social media, calling him a “fraud” and a “bum.”

Maybe this is the reason for that…

Playoff series won since 2010….

Miami Heat: 15

Orlando Magic: 0

No wonder their fans are salty about @TheRea1DJones

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) February 16, 2020