Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon once again fell short of his goal of winning a dunk title.
Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. edged Gordon in the second dunk-off round to win the AT&T Slam Dunk competition on Saturday night at United Center in Chicago.
Gordon's final dunk was done over Celtics rookie and former UCF standout Tacko Fall. Gordon jumped over the 7-foot-5 Fall and threw down a two-handed dunk. The judges awarded Gordon a 47.
It was the only dunk during which Gordon didn't score a 50, and it wasn't enough to beat the 48 Jones received on his final dunk.
After both Gordon and Jones scored a 50 in the first dunk-off round, TNT broadcasters Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller argued Gordon and Jones should have shared the title.
Gordon also finished runner-up in 2016.
Gordon's second dunk of the final round utilized teammate Markelle Fultz, who tossed the ball off the side of the backboard. Gordon caught it, then spun into a 360-degree turn while cupping the ball and dunking it.
Lakers center Dwight Howard and Bucks guard Pat Connaughton were eliminated in the first round.
Howard's second dunk was done with an assist from former teammate and Magic point guard Jameer Nelson.
The competition was part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
This was Gordon's third dunk contest. He finished second to Zach LaVine in the 2016 event in Toronto in what was arguably one of the best finals in the event's history. Gordon took part in the 2017 contest, but he failed to make it out of the first round.
Gordon has indicated this would be his final dunk contest.
