Slam Dunk: The Sports Anime That Still Slams Hard (Even Without a Proper Ending)

Let’s cut to the chase: Slam Dunk isn’t just an anime—it’s a cultural reset. For anyone who’s ever picked up a basketball (or even just yelled at a TV during a game), this 101-episode series hits different. Adapted from Takehiko Inoue’s legendary manga and brought to life by Toei Animation in the ’90s, it follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a 6’2” firecracker with a 50-rejection streak, who joins Shohoku High’s basketball team to impress his crush, Haruko Akagi. Spoiler: He ends up falling for the sport harder than he falls for her.

But let’s be real—you’re here for the tea, not just the plot. So I dug through fan forums, rewatched key episodes, and even argued with my cousin about whether Rukawa is overrated (he is). Here’s why Slam Dunk still matters, even if its ending left us all hanging like a missed layup.

The Good: Why We’re Still Obsessed

First off, Sakuragi is iconic. This guy goes from a self-proclaimed “genius” who can’t dribble to a rebounding machine with a signature dunk that makes the crowd lose their minds. Fans on MyAnimeList can’t stop gushing about his growth: “Watching Sakuragi go from a clown to a legitimate threat? Chef’s kiss,” one user wrote. Another added, “His 20,000 jump shots montage? I cried. Then I went outside and shot hoops until my arms hurt.”

And let’s talk about the comedy. Sakuragi’s rivalry with Rukawa (the quiet, too-cool-for-school ace) is pure gold. Their constant bickering—like when Sakuragi calls Rukawa a “fox” and Rukawa ignores him like he’s a fly—keeps the show light even during tense games. “The funniest part? When Sakuragi tried to impress Haruko by saying he played ‘American street ball’… and then tripped over his own feet,” a fan laughed.

The basketball itself? Real. Unlike some sports anime where characters pull off impossible moves (looking at you, Kuroko’s Basketball), Slam Dunk grounds itself in actual strategy. The Ryonan game arc (yes, the one that takes 20 episodes) might feel slow, but it’s worth it for the moment when Sakuragi blocks Sendoh’s game-winning shot. “That block? I screamed so loud my mom thought I was being attacked,” one user admitted.

The Bad: Why We’re Still Salty

But let’s not sugarcoat it—this anime has flaws. The biggest? The ending. Episode 101 wraps up with a practice game against a team of all-stars… and then cuts to black. No nationals. No resolution for Sakuragi and Haruko. No closure for fans who invested 101 episodes.

“Thoroughly unsatisfying,” a MyAnimeList user ranted. “It was like Sakuragi was finally about to become a beast, and then the story just… stops.” Another added, “I rated it 10/10 for the comedy and character growth, but the ending knocked it down to 8. Why couldn’t they animate the manga’s conclusion?”

Then there are the flashbacks. Oh, the flashbacks. Every time a character has a moment of doubt, we get a 5-minute recap of their backstory. “I swear, Azai’s speech to Mitsui played 4 times,” a fan groaned. “We get it—Mitsui regretted quitting basketball. Move on.”

And don’t get me started on the filler. 7 episodes of side stories that go nowhere? Yeah, we could’ve lived without that. “Cut 90% of the flashbacks and filler, and this could’ve been 52 episodes of pure greatness,” one user said.

The Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Absolutely—but with a warning. If you’re the type who needs closure, you’ll finish Episode 101 and want to throw your remote. But if you love character-driven stories, laugh-out-loud comedy, and basketball that feels real, this is a must-watch.

As one fan put it: “Slam Dunk isn’t perfect, but it’s authentic. It’s about a bunch of misfits who find purpose on the court. And even if the ending sucks, the journey is worth it.”

Plus, if you’re left hanging? The manga continues the story—so you can read how Shohoku dominates the nationals. (Spoiler: Sakuragi becomes a legend. Rukawa still doesn’t smile.)

Final Thoughts

Slam Dunk isn’t just an anime—it’s a feeling. It’s the rush of a game-winning shot, the joy of friendship, and the frustration of an unfinished story. It’s why people still rewatch it 30 years later, why they debate Rukawa vs. Sakuragi on Twitter, and why they cry when the first opening theme plays.

So grab your basketball, call your friends, and dive into Slam Dunk. Just don’t forget to read the manga afterward. Trust me—you’ll thank me later.

Rating: 8/10 (Docked 2 points for the ending. Fight me.)

P.S. If you need me, I’ll be in my backyard practicing jump shots. Sakuragi would be proud.