Larry Johnson

Questions would swirl endlessly throughout the summer of 1996, following the New York Knicks’ blockbuster acquisition of gifted, two-time All-Star Larry Johnson. Some wondered about his potential fit and role in the pecking order, whereas others pondered over his health; in an NBA of few guarantees, though, there remained one thing that few would dare doubt: the 6-foot-7, 250-pounder’s ability to slam the basketball. Providing the night’s blue-and-orange-uniformed opponents with a glimpse into the very-near future, Johnson opens his memorable sequence with an uncovered runway to the rim after Charles Oakley’s ambitious gamble on a steal leaves him empty-handed. Channeling both “Grandmama’s” infinite wisdom and the athleticism of a talent known simply as “LJ,” the Charlotte Hornets star leaves the great Patrick Ewing with second thoughts about jumping before elevating himself into a rim-shaking poster jam. Suddenly red-hot, and with four consecutive wins on its ledger, the Hornets conquered New York in a physical, predictably-testy affair on November 29, 1995. All-Star caliber throughout his final campaign in Charlotte’s threads, Johnson starred on the evening with 25 points (on 11-of-18 shooting), six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.

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