LOS ANGELES // Blake Griffin soared over a car and into a new stratosphere with an awe-inspiring performance to win the NBA's slam dunk contest.
The Los Angeles Clippers rookie, who has created a frenzy this season with highlight reel dunks, caught a pass out of the sunroof from teammate Baron Davis and threw down a two-handed dunk while a choir sang "I Believe I Can Fly" at mid-court.
"Just being out here and having the experience of something I watched growing up. To be able to be out here is great," the 21-year-old Griffin told reporters.
Griffin entered the competition as the favourite to win but it was Washington Wizards high-flyer JaVale McGee who created the biggest buzz in the opening round.
The seven-footer (2.13m) used two baskets and then dunked with three basketballs during separate displays that earned him perfect scores from the judges.
But Blake prevailed in the final with a slam that saw him insert his forearm into the net and hang from the rim by his elbow before bringing the car onto the court.
Earlier, James Jones, the Miami Heat sharpshooter, crashed a Boston party by defeating Celtics teammates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win the three-point contest.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State guard, outlasted Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook to claim the skills challenge, a mix of dribbling, shooting, lay-up, and passing drills.
