Mac McClung pulls off 1st NBA dunk contest 3-peat
Mac McClung has solidified his status as one of the best dunkers in basketball history, especially when it comes to the dunk contest. The G League star put on a show at NBA All-Star Saturday night, scoring perfect 50s on all four of his mind-blowing dunks to become the first player to win three consecutive dunk contests.
“It kind of feels like a blur,” McClung said after his historic win. “It’s something I love doing. That’s where my creativity comes is I genuinely love this contest and I love to dunk.”
McClung now joins Nate Robinson as the only players to win the dunk contest three times, with Robinson achieving the feat in 2006 and then repeating in 2009-10. McClung faced tough competition from San Antonio’s Stephon Castle in the final round, but he rose to the occasion with his gravity-defying dunks.
For his final dunk, McClung enlisted the help of six-foot-11 Evan Mobley, who stood on a platform in front of the basket. McClung then leaped over Mobley, tapped the rim with the ball, and slammed it home to the delight of the crowd and judges in San Francisco.
His performance caught the attention of NBA stars like Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who expressed interest in competing against McClung in future dunk contests.
McClung’s creativity and athleticism were on full display throughout the contest, with each of his dunks earning perfect scores. From jumping over a car to executing a twisting, no-look dunk, McClung left the crowd in awe with his skills.
Despite his dominance in the dunk contest, McClung remains humble and unsure if he will go for a fourth consecutive title. He dedicated months to preparing for this contest and acknowledges the physical toll it took on him.
In other All-Star Saturday night events, Miami’s Tyler Herro won the three-point contest, edging out Golden State’s Buddy Hield. Cleveland’s duo of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell won the Skills Challenge, defeating hometown heroes Moses Moody and Draymond Green.
Overall, All-Star Saturday night was a showcase of talent and skill, with McClung stealing the show with his historic dunk contest performance. Fans can only wait in anticipation to see what he has in store for future contests.
