We all have that one play. The play that delays time to process the visual feat. The watershed moment where you know exactly where you were. The brimming excitement just waiting to be talked about it. The play that kind of, sort of makes up for the nine-dollar beer that you slightly spilled on the way back to your seat. It could be in an all-star game, or in the NBA playoffs, or even an MVP-defining moment from an NBA player like Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
For NBA fans, regardless of their love for the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics or Chicago Bulls, NBA Legend Julius Erving's rock the cradle dunk was that play. And why don't it be, the famous dunk is one of the greatest dunks of all time.
Dr. J's Cradle Dunk
The Philadelphia 76ers hosted Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers on a cold day in January 1983. Dr. J comes away with a loose ball near the sideline. He glides down the court, knee-length socks and all. Lakers guard Michael Cooper sets up for a meeting at the rim.
As Buzz Lightyear said, "I don't believe that man's ever been to medical school." To be a doctor in the NBA you don't need four years of schooling. The only requirement is to rock the baby to sleep.
The former ABA star took two giant steps, cradled the ball, and slammed it home. The Philly crowd went bananas. From an alternate angle, the crowd stands up in anticipation as Dr. J puts it in gear. They feel the rarity of the in-progress dunk. After realizing he couldn't make a defensive play, Cooper made the wise decision to duck out of the way. It was a preview of Erving, Moses Malone, and the Sixers sweeping the Lakers in the NBA Finals later that year.
Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images
The cradle slam holds a secure place among the greatest dunks in NBA history. Some of the greatest dunkers ever such as Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter (the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest is the GOAT), LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins have to be jealous. The power, the finesse, and the finish are glorious. It was just another dunk for Erving. He hustled back on defense like it was nothing. Layups are boring.
NBA TV's The Doctor documents Erving's playing days and accomplishments. The cradle dunk has a special place amidst Erving's illustrious career. The eruptive crowd couldn't keep it down even with a sleeping baby. Who can blame them?
