After running a well-executed offensive set, a cutter receives the ball as he jets down the middle of the lane, where he meets a defender at the rim. "Oohs" and "aahs" ensue, or silence fills the arena.
The sound of the rim-rattling or the whistle from a referee signaling an and-1 only make the play worse for the posterized defender. Teammates jumping up and holding each other back on the bench boost the dunker's ego further.
A poster jam can drastically change the game.
There has been no shortage of posters throughout the 2024 NBA playoffs, the most recent from Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner in Game 6 against the New York Knicks.
Here's a look at the best poster dunks of each series during this year's postseason.
Conference semifinals
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks, Game 6: Myles Turner
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 2: Jalen Williams
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets, Game 1: Michael Porter Jr.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 2: Caris LeVert
Caris showing off the VERTical! @CarisLeVert | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Whb7NyqnlF
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 9, 2024
First round
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers, play-in: LeBron James
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns, Game 4: Anthony Edwards
LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 6: Daniel Gafford
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans, Game 3: Trey Murphy III
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat, Game 4: Derrick White
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, Game 4: Moritz Wagner
Milwakee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers, Game 1: Brook Lopez
SMASH MOUNTAIN. pic.twitter.com/A4a4vzUnO5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2024
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Game 6: OG Anunoby
OG's POSTER FROM EVERY ANGLE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JzM2vJJMJa
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 3, 2024