What happens when one of planet Earth greatest dunkers meets one of its most celebrated rim protectors for a battle through the skies? The NBA’s expansive highlight reels prove them to be evenly-matched clashes — so long the dunker involved isn’t Vince Carter. Illustrating his in-air greatness one maneuver at a time in Year One, the Toronto Raptors swingman sets up shop atop the high post, floating past Chris Crawford with a first step at breakneck speed. Reasonably unbothered by the respected, 7-foot-2 challenge immediately rotating his way, Carter springs through the air, outhanging Hall of Fame defender Dikembe Mutombo for a forceful one-handed facial, following it up with a confident staredown thereafter. Carter’s vertical gifts left plays of every type — from elevated pull-up jumpers to alley-oops and entertaining rim contests — to the imagination during the loss to the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, 1999. The one-of-a-kind star offered 14 points, nine rebounds, and one block, building a season that eventually went rewarded with a 1998-99 Rookie of the Year trophy for his efforts. · Mar 14, 1999