The reason you find it unresponsive is because you didn't catch the rhythm of the motion.
You have to get into a rhythm by
1. releasing your shot the same spot each time (of coz at the right timing)
2. pick up the ball at the exact same time right after your shot.
If you do that and shots start going in 2-3x in a row, you will find your player shooting motions more fluid and more balls will go in as long as you keep the rhythm!
P.S. of coz some players are more easy to get into a rhythm than others.
GOT 23 with DIRK.. and the release point is not necessary the highest.. Dirk release point should be a bit earlier before the highest to get shots in.
I agree. The dunk contest is actually kind of fun.. some are really tough for me as I don't play guitar hero at all. But I do wish they would let you do a second retry and let you go around the court to do a dunk and use the scoreboard table thing.. basically What LIVE DID back then.