The dunk is one of the most exciting things about basketball and since at least the days of Julius Erving it’s become an art form.
Consider what Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Lebron James, Zach LaVine and, most notably recently former Blue Devil Zion Williamson have brought to the dunk.
It still counts two points - Stephen Curry can flip that in one trip downcourt - but he can’t necessarily match the excitement of the dunk.
The dunk has several functions - intimidation, exciting your teammates and firing up the crowd (and also yourself if you can do it).