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Juan Toscano-Anderson made Dub Nation proud in 2022 dunk contest

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Juan Toscano-Anderson made Dub Nation proud in 2022 dunk contest

JTA was throwin' it down for the Town.

Daniel Hardee
Feb 20, 2022
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Juan Toscano-Anderson made Dub Nation proud in 2022 dunk contest

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TOWN BIZ!

That’s what was going through my mind when Juan Toscano-Anderson took the stage last night at the Slam Dunk competition on All-Star weekend in Cleveland.

This is the contest that historically has done so much to add to the ambiguous, ethereal concept known as LEGACY. It has cemented the cultural cache of so many players, from game defining icons like “Dr. J” Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, and beloved All-Stars like Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter. No highlight tape of these guys would be complete without a reel of the ridiculous dunks they unleashed during the dunk contest.

It’s also a window of opportunity for legacy building for the non-superstars in the league. I’m talking about the guys who have never been invited to play in the prestiged All-Star game on Sunday, but still have the bravery and creativity to make their mark on the game. Guys like the 5-foot-7 Spud Webb proving you don’t have to be a giant to rock the rim, or Dee Brown blinding himself in mid-air as he took flight. These aerial gladiators will never be forgotten, even though they never won a title or racked up pro accolades.

When Jason Richardson won back-to-back dunk titles in the early-2000s as a Warrior, it was like Christmas Day for longsuffering Golden State fans who were praying their team would be relevant. J-Rich’s explosive performances gave Dub Nation something to be proud of during seasons of soul crushing losing. He inspired us. He helped us keep the faith that there was something good coming outta Oracle Arena, the Warriors’ old home in Oakland.

In the Splash Bros-era, the Warriors have built a championship dynasty and received enough clout for a lifetime of fandom. This fanbase is no longer desperately starved for validation and attention (well at least not the sane ones lol). We’ve got a trophy closet stuffed full with hella awards, you name it: Larry O’Brien, MVPs, All-Stars, 3PT Shootouts. No one is shocked that the Warriors will be well represented at the All-Star game; hell, they even got Andrew Wiggins in there now!

But the Dubs hadn’t been a factor in the recent dunk contests, aka the crown jewel of All-Star weekend.

Enter Juan Toscano-Anderson, a son of Oakland who as a boy watched J-Rich put on those theatrics two decades ago.

Twitter avatar for @ShaynaRubin
Shayna Rubin @ShaynaRubin
JTA could "neither confirm or deny" that he will incorporate some J-Rich inspired dunks into the dunk contest, but expect nostalgia. "I want Warriors fans to enjoy seeing someone from their favorite team in the dunk contest. For Warriors fans to have a nostalgic moment.”
11:54 PM ∙ Feb 16, 2022
47Likes2Retweets

He worked his way out of the Mexican league and signed with Golden State, where he now plays for his hometown team and is an integral reserve player in their current title chase.

Twitter avatar for @warriors
Golden State Warriors @warriors
Dressed for success. @juanonjuan10 || #NBAAIIStar
Photo of Juan Toscano
1:32 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
4,207Likes346Retweets

Last night he stepped onto the big stage to rep his squad, his city, and his family in front of the world. Here’s a stream of scrapbook moments from his performance. All eyes were on him, even the eyes of an MVP.

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SB Nation @SBNation
Congratulations to the winner of this year's dunk contest: Giannis' camera roll
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Image
3:59 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
1,246Likes82Retweets
Twitter avatar for @warriors
Golden State Warriors @warriors
The first player of Mexican descent to ever participate in the Dunk Contest @juanonjuan10 is reppin' 🇲🇽
3:41 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
5,709Likes1,013Retweets
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warriorsworld @warriorsworld
JoKu’s reaction to @juanonjuan10’s first dunk
3:40 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
1,774Likes163Retweets
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NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Juan Toscano-Anderson's Mexico-themed Warriors jersey and kicks for the dunk contest 🇲🇽🔥
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3:56 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
20,439Likes2,975Retweets
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Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
It's JTA vs. Obi Toppin in the final round. Very impressive showing so far from JTA, who was widely considered the biggest underdog coming into this.
3:44 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
677Likes22Retweets
Twitter avatar for @TheWarriorsTalk
TheWarriorsTalk @TheWarriorsTalk
Both of Juan's dunks have been pretty dope. I didn't know he had this type of bounce tbh.
3:47 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
744Likes22Retweets

JTA made it all the way to the finals of the contest against Obi Toppin but fell short paying homage to a J-Rich slam, which I can’t even be mad at. If you’re gonna lose, do it trying to do an insane dunk that only elevates how amazing it was when it originally happened.

He may not have won the contest, but he’s winning in life, and we share that victory with him in Dub Nation. OAKLAND STAND UP!

Twitter avatar for @Dami0nLee
Damion Lee @Dami0nLee
Proud of my dawg @juanonjuan10 ! East Oakland to Dunk Contest at All Star Weekend!! 🤞🏽🙏🏽
3:58 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
3,806Likes308Retweets
Twitter avatar for @warriors
Golden State Warriors @warriors
YESSSIR, @juanonjuan10
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3:33 AM ∙ Feb 20, 2022
13,783Likes1,614Retweets

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Juan Toscano-Anderson made Dub Nation proud in 2022 dunk contest

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Backpack23
Feb 21, 2022·edited Feb 21, 2022

Watched the second half delayed and OMG. That was incredible. Steph is amazing, some great defensive plays down the stretch by Allen & Giannis, and LBJ ending the game seemed right (although I was hoping Steph was going to hit one of those late game threes and get the points record & end the game). Very cool

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rcknfn
Feb 21, 2022·edited Feb 21, 2022

Just finished watching the game.

- Steph and Elam ending made the game worth a watch

- So Steph's shot is not broken? In regular games, he has got other things on mind (e.g. getting triple teamed, being offensive floor co-general, being the assist man, playing the most minute)? Get it together, scrub!

- They need to add concept of style points - tallied in game live - wining team gets a charity win. Standstill wide open 3 ptrs from the arc were the most boring thing in this game.

- Klay hitting 17 3 ptrs @ next ASG - you heard it here first

- What was that monstrosity Dray was wearing?

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