Mac McClung has inspired several top NBA stars to reconsider participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He won a record third consecutive NBA Slam Dunk trophy Saturday night at the Chase Center, showcasing a creative and spectacular display that included jumping over a car and slamming two basketballs during his performance.
The NBA world praised McClung for this achievement, yet the downside of his dominance is noteworthy. With three NBA Slam Dunk trophies, McClung now has nearly as many titles as career NBA games played (five). While he is undoubtedly a talented and entertaining dunker, he isn’t one of the league’s marquee stars, which raises concerns as this event was initially intended to showcase its top talent, reminiscent of the iconic battles between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins.
In recent years, many of the NBA’s biggest names have opted out of the event, leading to concerns for a league grappling with declining ratings, making it problematic to have stars absent from an event meant to highlight them. However, McClung’s stunning performance on Saturday may have sparked a potential solution. As he celebrated his title, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant tweeted, “Mac might make me decide to dunk.”
mac might make me decide to dunk
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 16, 2025
Soon after, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo replied to Morant: “If you do it. I’ll do it with you.” In a video shared on the NBA’s X account, Antetokounmpo expressed his intent to join the contest next year, declaring, “Next year, I’m here.”
“Next year, I’m here.”
Giannis is submitting early interest for the #ATTSlamDunk Contest in 2026 👀 pic.twitter.com/rhY6zHtWN0
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2025
We have heard similar sentiments before, as it has been mentioned that McClung “saved” the dunk contest. Legendary player Reggie Miller remarked, “Mac McClung has saved the Dunk Contest. Two years straight, a G-Leaguer has saved, he has saved the Dunk Contest.”
Reggie Miller: “Mac McClung has saved the Dunk Contest. Two years straight, a G-Leaguer has saved, he has saved the Dunk Contest” pic.twitter.com/MVkUjoMnbX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 19, 2023
This time, perhaps McClung’s incredible feats have truly inspired a new generation of NBA stars to participate in the competition.
