Mac McClung – The NBA is home to many greats who have thrived domestically and internationally.
Apart from the championships, the Olympics, and FIBA World Cup, the Dunk Contest is one of the biggest stages where professional basketball players can showcase their individual skills and flair.
Although the competition has fizzled out in the last few years, the recent contest appeared to have revived the prestige of the Dunk Contest.
While plenty of talents were on the court, Mac McClung stood out, earning praise and being touted as restoring the contest.
The news
Mac McClung faced a number of equally talented athletes in the Dunk Contest, including names like Damian Lillard and Trey Murphy III.
However, the 6-foot-2 Philadelphia guard fought his way to the finals, which ended in an NBA All-Star Saturday.
The finals saw him leap over Trey Murphy III of New Orleans.
However, while McClung’s victory was a shot of adrenaline, the buildup truly set the contest ablaze, revitalizing the NBA’s signature event after years of being stuck in a rut.
The road to becoming an overnight sensation
Mac McClung was a name nobody expected to take home the gold.
A surprise entrant who wasn’t even part of the NBA roster, McClung had only just accepted the invitation in January.
In addition, it was only last week that he signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before that, he played a single game for the Chicago Bulls last season and another for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although he still has edges to polish with his all-around game, Mac McClung has undoubtedly perfected dunking.
McClung stepped into the court with a point to prove, and he did so in style.
Throughout the Dunk Contest, Mac McClung showed everything he had in his arsenal:
- Athleticism
- Creativity
- Style
- Ability to deal with pressure
Read also: Chicago Bulls fumble 24-point lead
The contest
The new 76ers signing jumped over two people, tapped the ball on the backboard, and hit a reverse slam.
Even more impressive is the fact that Mac McClung completed the effort on his first try.
People were suddenly interested in what the newcomer could do.
While others could easily dismiss the first attempt as a fluke, McClung proved the real deal.
The first dunk was a clean finish, and the second was nearly perfect.
Three out of four dunks received perfect 50 scores from judges.
The only mark that wasn’t perfect was 49.8.
McClung’s third perfect score had sealed his victory.
The 540-degree dunk, which saw him do a rotation-and-a-half in the air, undoubtedly put his name out there.
Even as the judges’ scores went up, it was clear to everyone that Mac McClung won the 2023 Dunk Contest.
“It’s over,” he said.
Following the contest, Mac McClung said he is committed to defending his title at All-Star Saturday in Indianapolis next year.
“If you guys have me, I’ll be back,” said the champion.
Reception
Mac McClung’s near-perfect game energized the crowd and commentators and earned the respect of several retired and active stars in the NBA.
“Man was a viral HOH high school dunk phenom, still working his way to the League, but lemme go get that dunk contest trophy right quick and bring it back to life!!! Unreal,” wrote Stephen Curry.
Tyson Chandler called the recent contest “dope,” congratulating Mac McClung on Twitter.
However, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal hailed the newcomer as the savior of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Both are former MVPs, Hall of Famers, and Los Angeles Lakers, and the belief that McClung saved the contest is just another thing they have in common.
O’Neal had been in the Vivint Smart Home arena when he watched McClung’s performance.
When asked about his thoughts, the Lakers legend was very forward, saying, “He saved the dunk contest.”
Meanwhile, Johnson shared his thoughts on Twitter, writing:
“Mac McClung has personally saved the slam dunk contest with his performance tonight!! He put on a show!”
With his name finally out there, many will expect more great things from Mac McClung, and there is little doubt about him making it.
Image source: Hoop Hype
Opinions expressed by US Insider contributors are their own.
