Mac McClung Wins Second Slam Dunk Contest

Mac McClung, a rising basketball talent with only four NBA games under his belt, stole the spotlight at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis by securing victory in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Fox News reports.

Despite his relatively short NBA career, McClung, who primarily played in the G League, dazzled the audience and emerged victorious over seasoned players.

Competing against notable names like Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Jacob Toppin of the New York Knicks, and Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., McClung showcased his aerial prowess in the contest.

His final dunk, an awe-inspiring move that involved putting a jersey on the legendary Shaquille O'Neal and executing a reverse dunk over the 7-foot-1 icon, earned him a perfect score.

McClung, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, outshone his opponents in the final round, scoring 98.8 points, surpassing Brown's 97.8.

Reflecting on the iconic dunk, McClung expressed gratitude for O'Neal's participation.

"Shaq was so cool to put that high school jersey on, man, it almost made me emotional that he would do that," McClung said.

Jaylen Brown's Strong Showing and Mac McClung's Dunk Mastery

While the Slam Dunk Contest traditionally features younger players aiming to make a name for themselves, Brown, a seven-year veteran with multiple All-Star nods, embraced the challenge, according to All 76ers.

In the first round, Brown secured scores of 48.8 and 47.6, narrowly edging out competitors Toppin and Jaquez.

McClung, however, claimed the top spot with scores of 48 and nearly a perfect 50, totaling 97.4 points.

The final round proved intense, with McClung leading after the initial dunk by a marginal 0.02 over Brown.

Despite Brown's commendable left-handed dunk earning a 49.2, Mac McClung sealed the victory with his final leap over Shaquille O'Neal, resulting in a flawless score of 98.8.

Mac McClung's Dunk Legacy and Future Contemplations

Mac McClung revealed the meticulous preparation behind his dunk performances, sharing that he spent weeks contemplating and discussing potential dunks with friends, ESPN noted.

"And they're like, 'Yeah, they're good enough. Now, I'm going to bed,'" McClung said jokingly.

His victory in the Slam Dunk Contest places him in esteemed company alongside legends like Zach LaVine, Nate Robinson, Jason Richardson, and Michael Jordan, who have all clinched back-to-back titles.

As McClung basks in his triumph, thoughts of a potential return to the dunk contest linger.

If he were to participate in the 2025 contest and secure victory, he would become the first player to claim three consecutive titles, joining Nate Robinson as the only three-time champion.

Having recently joined the Magic organization after successful stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and G League teams, McClung's future in the NBA remains promising.

His impactful performances and historic dunk victories have solidified his status as a rising star in the basketball world.

Whether he graces the dunk contest stage again next season remains to be seen, but Mac McClung's dunk legacy is undeniably etched in NBA history.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: EVERY Mac McClung Dunk in the 2024 #ATTSlamDunk Contest | 2024 #NBAAllStar - From NBA