SALT LAKE CITY — The 2023 NBA All-Star Saturday Night turned out to be a huge success.
To start the night, Team Jazz, comprised of Jordan Clarkson, Colin Sexton, and Walker Kessler, took home the trophy for the Kia Skills Challenge. They defeated Team Giannis – Jrue Holiday, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Alex Antetokounmpo – and Team Rookies, who had Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Jabari Smith Jr.
Portland’s Damian Lillard, one of the best shooters in the league, finally won his first 3-point contest while donning the jersey of his alma mater – Weber State University. He edged out Indiana’s Buddy Hield in the final round by one point (26-25).
Reflecting on his clutch performance in the contest, Dame simply said, “That’s typical for me.”
After signing a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week, Mac McClung capped off the night’s events with an incredible performance in the Slam Dunk contest. The 24-year-old scored a perfect 50 on three of his four dunks. After slamming home a gravity defying 540 reverse jam in the final round, McClung screamed, “It’s over” reminiscent of Vince Carter in his dunk contest win in 2000.
McClung’s performance was one for the history books. Shaq himself stated that McClung “saved the dunk contest.” He is the first 76er in history to win the Slam Dunk Contest.
The 76ers, proud of their new 6-foot-2 guard, later tweeted: “y’all asked ‘who is Mac McClung?’ NOW YOU KNOW.”
