Jam

A jam is the phenomenon wherein a basketball is forcefully deposited directly into a basketball hoop, with the basketball firmly in the hands of the b-baller until the ball hits the rim or even just the net. This maneuver is more formally called a dunk shot, dunk, or slam dunk. However, a jam refers to much more than merely the physical process of the dunk shot, reflecting a certain mindset or philosophy. The term sometimes refers to the entire game, rather than just the act of scoring points. (For an example, see Space Jam.)

Slams are closely related to jams, and in fact the two have the same denotation. However, jams and slams differ subtly, yet critically, in connotation.