The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been a dying tradition for years despite its long tenure as an All-Star weekend event. The contest peaked when Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon went dunk for dunk back in 2016. Since then, the contest has been on a steep decline. However, it may been saved last night by an unlikely hero.
Mac McClung, a G-League player for the Deleware Blue Coats, accepted an invitation to participate in this years NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Just four days before the contest, McClung was signed to a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, after defeating Pelicans’ Trey Murphy, McClung finds himself in the winners category among hall-of-fame names.
Generally, G-League players aren’t participants in the NBA All-Star weekend, excluding the Rising Stars Game. This time was a first, and it may not be the last.
McClung put on a show in Saturday night’s dunk contest, ultimately posting three perfect scores, including one on a 540 dunk in the final round.
McClung had the Vivint Arena shaking in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Before the 540 that iced the contest, McClung shocked the crowd with a 360-windmill, a double-pump reverse, and a dunk that had him jump over two people, grab the basketball, tap the basketball on the backboard, and then finally throw it down.
Despite the attention garnered following his nearly-flawless performance, McClung has not shifted his eyes from the ultimate goal.
“It was a blessing. It’s really cool man. I mean I’ll be able to tell my kids and brag about it one day. But yeah, the goal is to play in the NBA. I’m gonna keep working every day. I’m very hungry and I’m resilient so I’m gonna keep working.”
McClung has yet to play in an NBA game this season. Furthermore, he has only played in two NBA games throughout his whole career. The Blue Coat has been stellar this season in the G-League though, posting an average of 19.1 points per game while hitting 50% of threes.
No matter where McClung is playing at this time next year, he immediately expressed his interest in competing next year.
“If you guys will have me, I’ll be back,” McClung said.
Moreover, McClung had players and fans boasting about his performance, even going as far as to say that he ‘saved the dunk contest.’
Conclusively, McClung’s performance was undeniably one of the best ever. This could ultimately generate some of the bigger names across the league to participate. Everybody wants to be the best. And following that performance, it appears there is no one better than McClung.
Read the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up.