Mac McClung Makes History with Back-to-Back Dunk Contest Wins
In a thrilling display of athleticism and creativity, Mac McClung became only the fifth player in NBA history to win back-to-back dunk contests. The 6-foot-2 G Leaguer wowed the crowd at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis with his high-flying dunks and innovative approach to the competition.
McClung, who gained fame in high school for his jaw-dropping dunks, made a statement last year when he won the dunk contest wearing his high school jersey. This year, he took it to another level by bringing out a much larger jersey and handing it to none other than Shaquille O’Neal, who donned the jersey and held the ball above his head for McClung’s final dunk.
The final dunk was a showstopper. McClung soared over O’Neal, who stands at a towering 7 feet 1 inch, and finished with a reverse slam that earned him a perfect score of 50 points. This was the only 50-point dunk of the night, securing McClung’s victory over Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics in the final round.
McClung’s win puts him in elite company, joining the likes of Zach LaVine, Nate Robinson, Jason Richardson, and Michael Jordan as the only back-to-back dunk contest champions in NBA history. If he were to return next season and win again, he would become the first player to win three consecutive titles and join Robinson as the only three-time champions.
The road to victory was not an easy one for McClung. He revealed that he had been planning his dunks for weeks, staying up late at night texting videos of his ideas to his best friends for their input. McClung’s dedication and creativity paid off, as he delivered a series of jaw-dropping dunks that left the crowd in awe.
But McClung wasn’t the only standout in the dunk contest. Jaylen Brown made history of his own by becoming the first player to compete in the dunk contest in his All-Star season since Victor Oladipo in 2018. Brown impressed the judges with his first slam, which paid homage to dunk contest legend Dominique Wilkins. He sealed the deal by jumping over YouTuber and social media sensation Kai Cenat, with an assist from his Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum.
While Brown fell just short of victory, he expressed satisfaction with his performance and the overall experience. “I thought I had fun,” Brown said. “I think that was the ultimate thing, to go out and have fun. I accomplished that. It was an honor. At least I can say I did it at one point in my career, and I can live with that.”
In addition to the dunk contest, the NBA All-Star Weekend also featured the 3-point contest and the skills challenge. Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks defended his 3-point title, winning the competition on his final shot attempt. Lillard became the eighth player in NBA history to win multiple 3-point contests and the first to go back-to-back since Jason Kapono in 2007 and 2008.
The skills challenge saw Team Pacers emerge victorious after a thrilling showdown with Team All-Stars. Led by Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner, Team Pacers showcased their versatility and teamwork to claim the victory.
The NBA All-Star Weekend was a celebration of talent, skill, and entertainment. Mac McClung’s historic back-to-back dunk contest wins solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in the league. With his creativity and dedication, McClung has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike.