Vinsanity Scale: Andrew Wiggins' slam on Luka Doncic in Warriors win over Mavericks is the dunk of the playoffs

Ananth Pandian

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Vinsanity Scale: Andrew Wiggins' slam on Luka Doncic in Warriors win over Mavericks is the dunk of the playoffs image

Welcome to the Vinsanity Scale! In honor of one of the greatest in-game dunkers in NBA history, the Vinsanity Scale rates dunks on a scale of 1-4. Similar to the Horry Scale, the dunk in question is graded on the game situation, difficulty and celebration to answer one question: Would it make Half Man, Half Amazing proud?

The greatest dunk of the 2022 NBA playoffs almost didn't count. 

In the fourth quarter of Game 3 between Dallas and Golden State, Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins absolutely posterized Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic with a thunderous one-handed slam. It was a show stopping dunk, eliciting shock and awe on social media and amazingly, it was first ruled as an offensive foul.

However, after the Warriors challenged the call, officials reviewed the play and ruled that there was no offensive foul by Wiggins. Instead, it will forever be remembered as one of the top plays of the playoffs as well as a signature moment for Wiggins and the year's Warriors. 

Let's break it down.

The dunk

Game situation

Throughout Game 3, Wiggins was imposing his will on Doncic and the Mavericks. He was doing it all, showcasing his two-way versatility by playing tough defense on Doncic and on offense, Wiggins was aggressively attacking the holes in Dallas' defensive schemes. 

Wiggins was a key x-factor and the difference for Golden State's victory and his dunk was just the exclamation point on his strong performance. Not only was it on Doncic, but it also emphatically zapped away any emotional energy the Mavericks had left, as they couldn't muster a comeback down the stretch. 

Degree of difficulty

Insanely difficult may be putting it mildly.

This dunk was not for us mere mortals. Only a leaping wizard like Wiggins could've thrown down this massive of a slam. Just watch the dunk again and see how far back Wiggins takes off from. And then watch it again and look how far back he cocks his arm.

Just nasty.

Reaction

Amazed. Stunned. Excited. Astonished. Hyped.

It's really hard to find the exact word to describe how sensational Wiggins' dunk was. It's why Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine had to use emojis for his reaction.

Equally shocked was Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who had to use four question marks for his reaction.

Really there's no appropriate reaction because seeing it live rendered you speechless.

Luka on the dunk

Wiggins on the dunk

Vinsanity Scale

No further explanation needed — Four out of Four Vinsanitys.

Vinsanity Scale

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.