Format quirks can't quiet big jams

ByMICHAEL WALLACE
February 16, 2014, 2:21 AM

— -- NEW ORLEANS -- Technically, John Wall is the NBA's new dunk champion.

The Washington Wizards point guard took home arguably All-Star Saturday's most coveted prize when he executed the most astonishing dunk of the event. Words don't do Wall proper justice in explaining how he flawlessly leaped over the Washington mascot, retrieved the ball from G-Man's outstretched hands, then pumped the ball between his legs in midair and slammed in a reverse jam.

Perhaps most impressive was that Wall needed only one attempt to complete the dunk.

That alone made him the clear winner in a contest that otherwise played to mixed reviews because of a new format that left many fans -- and even players throughout the league -- confused by what was actually going on at times. This year's version featured a team concept, in which dunkers were grouped by the conference in which they played.

Wall's team of East dunkers also included Indiana's Paul George and Toronto's Terrence Ross, and they prevailed in a matchup against a West team that consisted of Portland's Damian Lillard, Golden State's Harrison Barnes and Sacramento's Ben McLemore.

With a first round of team dunking that borrowed for the concept of synchronized swimming and a judging process that allowed for feedback in the style of "American Idol" or "X-Factor," it's clear that the NBA is beyond desperate in its attempt to repair what is broken with the night's marquee event.

Essentially, the format got in the way of some phenomenal dunks.