McClung brings some shine back to NBA dunk contest

Virtually single-handedly, Mac McClung has breathed new life into a dipping contest that has come under heavy criticism in recent years.

The 6-foot-2 (1.88-meter) Philadelphia guard defeated New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III in the contest final, which culminated Saturday’s encounter ahead of the NBA All-Star Game.

Many have wondered if the dunks, once the main show of All-Star Weekend, could bring back the luster of yesteryear.

Absolutely, was McClung’s response.

“I’m truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity the NBA has given me,” he said.

There was a dunk in which he spun 540 degrees in the air – not 360, but a turn and a half – and it earned him his third perfect score of the night, of the four baskets he made. Before the judges reported the evaluation they gave to this dunk, the entire public knew who the winner was.

“It’s over,” McClung said after the spectacular play.

Was right. And he immediately promised to seek the defense of his title in Indianapolis, during the next edition of the All-Star Game.

“If you want me, I’ll be back, guys,” he said.

His story is incredible. He mainly played in the G League. Philadelphia would be his third NBA team, but he still hasn’t put it in a game.

He was in a game with the Chicago Bulls last season. He played another with the Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

He only made three baskets in the NBA.

On Saturday, he had four dunks. So a guy who has more fantasy plays than field goals in real NBA games saved the contest.

“Bring this man some flowers,” asked TNT commentator Kenny Smith.

McClung set the tone for the night, with a dunk that left the NBA superstars in disbelief. He jumped over two individuals – one sitting on the other’s shoulders – took the ball from the hands of the person above the other and knocked it into the basket.

And that was just to start.

He continued to amaze and ended up winning the trophy which was recently renamed after dunk legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, another former 76ers player.

McClung was virtually faultless on his second dunk. Four judges gave it a perfect score of 50, Lisa Leslie disagreed, awarding it a 49.

But that didn’t matter. He had already secured a place in the final against Murphy.

Jericho Sims of New York awarded himself a 50 on his second dunk. He tied an envelope to the net and pulled it down as he pulled, to display the number “50”.

No judge accepted. His two-handed dunk earned him a total of 95.4 points, insufficient to qualify for the final.

Houston’s Kenyon Martin Jr. was also knocked out in the first round with a score of 93.2.

TRIPLE COMPETITION

Damian Lillard represented his school and his brand. And that made them both proud.

The Portland point guard won the 3-point contest, beating two Indiana players, Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton, in the final round.

Lillard wore a Weber State jersey that said “Dolla” on the back. Weber State, Utah is home to the player, who also performs under the name Dame DOLLA

And when he received the trophy, the player was wearing a Blazers practice jersey.

“They say third time is the charm,” said Lillard, who earned his first victory in his third appearance in the contest. “And I’m glad it happened here. It’s a perfect situation. I’m glad I did it here, at home, coming back to Utah.”

Lillard won the final round with 26 points. Hield had 25 and Haliburton had 17.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Utah’s Lauri Markkanen, Miami’s Tyler Herro, New York’s Julius Randle and Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter were eliminated in the first round.

SKILLS COMPETITION

Utah picked up a win early in quiz night.

The Jazz, with players Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, won the skills competition, winning two of three competitions.

“We feel good, especially doing it for the home team,” Sexton said.

The rookies were second. Paulo Banchero of Orlando, Jaden Ivey of Detroit and Jabari Smith Jr. of Houston all scored 100 points.

The Antetokounmpo brothers are third. Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, along with Jrue Holiday, who replaced injured Milwaukee Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, missed all competitions.

The rookies won the team relay. They posted the fastest time on a practice that required teams to pass from 35 feet, dribble downfield, hit a short jumper, hit a 3-point corner and dive.

Then came the passing contest, won by the Jazz, who were the most accurate on the 35, 20 and 25 foot passing series.

The competition ended with the team shooting event. The Jazz triumphed there and took the fight.

“We did it for Utah,” Clarkson said.