Ibaka, Griffin to Take Part in Slam Dunk Contest

The Thunder's Serge Ibaka and former OU player Blake Griffin will be two of the four participants.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:07 pm

By: News On 6

Ibaka, Griffin to Take Part in Slam Dunk Contest

Originally Published: Jan 5, 2011 8:59 AM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES – The Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed Wednesday that the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka and former Oklahoma Sooner Blake Griffin will both take part in the NBA’s slam dunk contest.

Griffin has taken the NBA by storm this season, pulling off highlight-reel dunks with regularity on his way to becoming the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. He has started every game this season for the Los Angeles Clippers and is averaging more than 21 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Ibaka has made strides in his second professional season, leading the Thunder in both rebounds and blocks per game. He has started 16 games and has improved from his rookie year in almost every statistical category.

Ibaka and Griffin will be joined in the slam dunk contest by JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards and Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks. The dunk contest will be held on Feb. 19 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities at Staples Center in Los Angeles.