BY: ROBERT ANTHONY MORALES — SPORTS ON AIR — CORRESPONDENT
SAN FRANCISCO — Mac McClung became the first player in NBA history to win the slam dunk competition three years in a row following another jaw-dropping performance at the All-Star Weekend at the Chase Center.
McClung, who plays for the Osceola Magic of the G League, accomplished the feat by holding off a tough challenge from Spurs star Stephon Castle in the final round.
But in the end, with his three-peat on the line, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard scored four 50s to seal his entry to dunking immortality.
Rookie Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls and Andre Jackson Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks were the two other competitors.
Reminiscent of Blake Griffin’s iconic 2011 performance, McClung leapt over a car to get the judges’ nod over Castle who also turned in some fabulous dunks that nearly breached the 50-point marks.
Despite now having won the dunkfest thrice, a modest McClung resisted the temptation to label himself as the GOAT.
“I definitely don’t think that’s something for me to say,” he told reporters when asked if he is now the greatest dunker ever.
“I appreciate you saying that. But no, I think I was just extremely honored to be a part of this weekend. I think the biggest thing is, I genuinely love this contest, and I’m honored to be here and just appreciative.”
No word yet if McClung will go for an unprecedented four-peat at the 2026 All-Star festivities in Los Angeles. But he’s only 26 years old now, so why not?
