The commencement of the NBA All-Star Weekend has fans at the edge of their seats with different events giving fans a spectacle to adore throughout and moments to cherish for the season. From innovations to flashy moments the All-Star Weekend has boosted the spirit among spectators.
One of the major attractions over the Weekend is the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which was held earlier today, and dunk maniac Mac McClung went home with the win once again.
Video: Mac McClung stuns fans with brilliant dunk
While Mac McClung has barely played in the NBA, he is known far and wide for his unique ability to reach stupendous heights and for his breath-taking dunks. Even though the player is currently in the G-League, the NBA invited McClung to the Dunk Contest once again, giving the opportunity to defend his crown amongst the NBA’s best.
In his final dunk for the night, McClung required a score of above 49 to secure a victory against the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. Bestowing the challenge upon himself, the youngster did a madness, scoring the maximum score of 50 in his final dunk, thereby securing his title as the best dunker, narrowly eliminating Jaylen.
For his final dunk, McClung called upon NBA legend and NBA on TNT host Shaquille O’Neal and gave him McClung’s high school jersey to wear. After setting up the legend for his feat, McClung began his run up and rose exceptionally high, jumping over Shaq, collecting the ball from Shaq’s hands and reversed slammed the ball into the basket, truly mesmerizing the fans.
Viewing the dunk, the judges had no other response and had only one answer. All judges unanimously awarded McClung a perfect score of 50 making it the only perfect dunk of the contest this year, a fitting end to the event.
Mac McClung registers back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contest victories
After this year’s contest, it is certain that the man to beat is none other than Mac McClung.
Representing Osceola Magic, the G-League guard entered this year’s contest as the defending champion, having won last year’s contest in spectacular fashion. Once again, the player came with a loaded arsenal of dunks that gave no opportunity to the other participants.
Apart from McClung, the event featured Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr, Jacob Toppin from the New York Knicks, and Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Brown’s participation in the contest marked the first time an NBA All-Star took part in the contest since Victor Oladipo in 2018.
Showing off their flashy dunks and humongous hops, the players fascinated the fans and battled amongst themselves for a spot in the finals. Eventually, the competition’s favorite, McClung and the Celtics guard Brown secured a spot in the contest final. Not backing down from any challenge, the 25-year-old from the Osceola Magic threw a variety of phenomenal slams to win the competition for the second straight year in a row.
While he has established himself as an eccentric dunker, the player will hope to get placed in the NBA, having recorded just four NBA appearances playing for three NBA teams.
For NBA fans, the extravaganza of the All-Star Weekend is just reaching its pinnacle with the much-awaited All-Star Game taking place tomorrow. In a return to the classic format, the Eastern Conference will be taking on the Western Conference to commemorate the 73rd All-Star Game.
What are your thoughts on Mac McClung’s victory in the Dunk Contest? Will he return next year? Which Conference will win the All-Star Game? We are eager to know your thoughts on All-Star Weekend so feel free to express your thoughts in the comments below.
