McClung claims Slam Dunk contest 3-peat
Mac McClung became the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive Slam Dunk contests on Saturday, defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle in the final round during All-Star Weekend.
McClung, a member of the Orlando Magic's G-League affiliate, received a perfect 50 score for each of his four dunks throughout the evening but stole the show with his opener by jumping over a car and throwing down a two-handed reverse slam.
Round 1
| Player | Dunk No. 1 | Dunk No. 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac McClung (ORL) | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Stephon Castle (SAS) | 47.2 | 47.8 | 95 |
| Andre Jackson Jr. (MIL) | 43.8 | 45 | 88.8 |
| Matas Buzelis (CHI) | 40 | 47.4 | 87.4 |
McClung further separated himself from Castle, Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis, and Milwaukee Bucks wing Andre Jackson Jr. with his second dunk in the first round, leaping over someone before completing a double-clutch rotating dunk.
Final Round
| Player | Dunk No. 3 | Dunk No. 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac McClung (ORL) | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Stephon Castle (SAS) | 49.6 | 50 | 99.6 |
Castle made a valiant effort in the final round and slammed an impressive behind-the-back 360 finish but couldn't catch McClung.
McClung needed a 49.7 or better to win the competition on his final dunk and was up for the challenge as he jumped over Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley and touched the ball on the rim before hammering it down.
For McClung's third attempt, the 26-year-old snatched a basketball from someone on a hoverboard while another ball waited to be dunked at the rim.