Dominique Wilkins landed a SOLID punch to the face of his alleged attacker last night in Atlanta -- and TMZ has obtained video of the very moment the NBA legend delivered the knuckle sandwich.


The video -- which was shot after the Atlanta Hawks game at Philips Arena -- starts midway through the brawl between Wilkins and Rashan Michel. You can clearly see Wilkins land a NASTY straight right punch to Michel's face before he's pulled away from the fray.

But ... 'Nique wasn't ready for it to be over -- because that's when he rips off his tie ... then his jacket ... and gets ready for round two.

By that time it's all over ... but you GOTTA CHECK IT OUT!

Michel was arrested for simple battery after the brawl -- but, as we first reported, he claims he never touched 'Nique ... and he plans on suing.

The man accused of attacking NBA legend Dominique Wilkins says he's the real victim and he's planning to sue over the alleged beat down.



TMZ spoke with Rashan Michel -- a former NBA referee -- and he claims he was calmly trying to work out a deal over the money he says 'Nique owes him for custom suits.

Michel claims Wilkins responded by yelling, "F**k You!" ... then security wrestled him to the ground ... and that's when the Hall of Famer slugged him. Michel is adamant that he did NOT hit Wilkins first.

Michel tells us he plans on suing Wilkins and the Hawks organization -- as well as subpoenaing the surveillance footage ... which he claims proves his side of the story.

NBA legend Dominique Wilkins was allegedly attacked last night after an NBA game -- but judging by the other guy's swollen-eyed mug shot ... it wasn't a good idea to mess with a 6'8" former pro athlete.


Cops in Atlanta tell TMZ ... Wilkins was conducting a live broadcast after the Atlanta Hawks game last night at Philips Arena, when 36-year-old Rashan Michel began "cursing at him."

Cops say Michel was confronting Wilkins about a $13,000 debt the former NBAer allegedly owed him for dress suits.

Cops say Michel followed Wilkins across the basketball court and allegedly started swinging ... hitting a security guard in the face and Wilkins in the chest.

Michel was eventually subdued, arrested, and booked for one count of simple battery.

Wilkins -- who did not report any injuries after the fight -- played for the Hawks from 1982-1994 and currently serves as the team's vice president. The incident was first published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.