Slam

A slam 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 slam 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.

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