There were fireworks in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday night as the second night of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend concluded with the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Vivint Smart Home Arena was filled to capacity with stars as Kenyon Martin Jr., Mac McClung, Trey Murphy III and Jericho Sims competed for the crown once held by the likes of Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. Determining the contestant’s ultimate fate, Jamal Crawford, Lisa Leslie, Harold Miner, Dominique Wilkins and Karl Malone served as judges.
After the first round, it became abundantly clear that McClung and Murphy III were just a step ahead of the competition. Murphy III won over the crowd with his consistency while McClung put his impressive vertical on full display. Ultimately, the former Georgetown star put away Murphy III with what appeared to be a 720° windmill in the final round. Not only did McClung bring the crowd to its feet, but Reggie Miller also went as far as to say that he “saved the dunk contest” on Saturday night.
At first glance, it appears that Miller may have been right. “White Men Can Jump” trended on Twitter and stars like Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan were seen courtside cheering the 76ers guard on.
"LET'S GO HOME, IT'S OVER!"
MAC MCCLUNG JUST SHUT IT DOWN ?? pic.twitter.com/PJBf4Xi2EO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2023
In the past five days, Mac McClung has:
?? Gone from the G-League to the 76ers
?? Been signed by PUMA
?? Won the Slam Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/JLHuBNLh00— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 19, 2023
