McClung, a standout for the G League’s Osceola Magic, asserted his dominance by clinching his Slam Dunk contest title on Saturday night in Indiana, triumphing over Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown in an electrifying final round.
The 25-year-old athlete, who secured the championship last year, now joins an elite group as the first back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest victor since Zach LaVine in 2015 and 2016. He shares this honor with basketball luminaries such as Michael Jordan (1987, 1988), Jason Richardson (2002, 2003), and Nate Robinson (2009, 2010), who also achieved consecutive wins in the contest.
McClung’s performance in the final round left judges and fans alike in awe. His initial dunk, soaring over two opponents and thunderously slamming the ball into the hoop, earned him a commendable score of 48.8:
[Embedded Tweet: NBA @NBATOO – EASY. Mac goes up over two people 😱#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday on TNT]
TOO EASY.
Mac goes up over two people 😱#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday on TNT pic.twitter.com/24AKnEAMTw
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
Following up, he earned perfect scores across the board with his second dunk of the final round, leaping over the towering presence of Shaquille O’Neal and executing a jaw-dropping reverse slam:
[Embedded Tweet: NBA @NBAMAC – WENT REVERSE OVER SHAQ 😱]
MAC WENT REVERSE OVER SHAQ 😱 https://t.co/13bfmfVUlg pic.twitter.com/bKnOIV9nN1
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
McClung’s final dunk sealed his rightful place as the champion once more, sparking a frenzy of admiration from NBA enthusiasts for the Osceola Magic star’s remarkable feat.
While McClung has undoubtedly showcased his prowess in the Slam Dunk Contest, he has faced challenges in securing a permanent spot on an NBA roster. Despite brief appearances with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season, he primarily featured for the G League’s South Bay Lakers.
Mac McClung when it comes to saving the NBA dunk contest pic.twitter.com/ZAkyNsPptH
— zaiire 💫 (@_zaiire_) February 18, 2024
Last season, McClung claimed the Slam Dunk Contest crown while representing the Philadelphia 76ers, supplementing his NBA stints with the Delaware Blue Coats.
Mac McClung once a year pic.twitter.com/2aYGuPvqwk
— Gunnar  (@CookedByGunnar) February 18, 2024
This season, he has remained with the Osceola Magic, delivering impressive statistics across 14 games, averaging 23.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while maintaining solid shooting percentages.
With his stellar performance this season, McClung’s undeniable talent warrants consideration from NBA franchises, particularly as teams bolster their rosters in anticipation of the playoffs. Perhaps this could finally be the opportunity for McClung to solidify his place in the NBA.
