Mac McClung has established his own legacy during the NBA All-Star Weekend. The guard, who has only appeared in one regular-season game for the Orlando Magic, captivated San Francisco on Saturday by clinching his third consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest title. This achievement marks the first time in NBA history that a player has won the event three times in a row.
The G League standout executed four flawless dunks, each earning a perfect score of 50. His impressive feats included dunking over a car and leaping over 6-foot-11 Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Evan Mobley. McClung triumphed over San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle to retain his championship.
“It kind of feels like a blur,” McClung remarked. “It’s something I love doing. That’s where my creativity comes from. I genuinely love this contest and I love to dunk.”
Currently playing for the Osceola Magic in the G League, McClung joins the ranks of Nate Robinson, who won the contest three times in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
“I think the contest is a beautiful thing,” McClung stated. “I know people probably want bigger stars in it, and I would love to see that. I think it’s important for the participants to genuinely want to compete. This contest is special, and we all love it.”
His performance drew reactions from NBA stars like Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Morant tweeted, “mac might make me decide to dunk,” while Antetokounmpo added, “If you do it, I’ll do it with you.”
Despite having only five NBA games to his name, McClung has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers, in addition to the Magic. He revealed that he prepared for the contest for nearly nine months but is uncertain about pursuing a fourth title.
Matas Buzelis of the Bulls and Andre Jackson of the Bucks were eliminated in the first round.
