Mac McClung, a G-league player for the Osceola Magic, clinched his second consecutive NBA Slam Dunk championship.
His standing ovation-worthy final dunk, vaulting over NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, etched his name in the NBA history books yet again.
McClung’s soaring performance secured his victory over Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a thrilling championship round.
The thrill of accomplishment rendering him speechless McClung confessed, “I’m trying to sit with it right now and take a second and understand what’s going on.” McClung said. “I feel like life is so fast sometimes. It’s just I’ll look back in 20 years when I can’t jump anymore and not as quick. But I know I’m a lucky dude.
“Shaq is so cool to put on my high school jersey. Makes me emotional that he did that. When he put it on, he said, ‘You better not miss a dunk.’ And I was like, ‘All right, I won’t miss it.'”
EVERY ANGLE of this Mac McClung 5⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/gh76xp2Gay
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
This victory made him the first player since Zach LaVine’s revered reign in 2015-16 to acquire consecutive championships.
When asked about attempting a third win, McClung remained non-committal, stating, “I don’t know. We’ll think about it. I’m not sure yet.”
A future hunt for a triple crown win, like Nate Robinson, remains a speculation, but it keeps his fans hopeful and riveted.
Tracing his NBA journey unveils a resilient voyage, from being waived by Lakers, Bulls, and Warriors to finally flourishing with the 76ers and Magic.
Mac McClung's NBA journey:
Aug. 2021: Exhibit 10 with Lakers
Oct. 2021: Waived by Lakers
Dec. 2021: 10-day with Bulls
Jan. 2022: 10-day with Bulls
Apr. 2022: Two-way with Lakers
Jun. 2022: Lakers decline offer
Jul. 2022: Exhibit 9 with Warriors
Jul. 2022: Contract voided by… pic.twitter.com/YeFWvR4pVq— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 19, 2024
Before his NBA experiences, McClung had a buzzing reputation online. It all began when he surpassed the esteemed Allen Iverson to become the all-time leading scorer in Virginia.
His exceptional run during his senior season at Gate City High School was notable for breaking stereotypes and instigating significant racial discourse.
McClung’s tenure at Georgetown (2018-19) witnessed him acquiring the prized all-Big East freshman selection and breaking the Georgetown freshman scoring record.
Even though injuries affected his performance in his sophomore year, his leadership skills and persistence on the court shone through.
His ticket to the NBA draft was fraught with some miscommunication. Eventually, McClung chose to move to Texas Tech from Georgetown.
His impressive performance during 202-21 made him the Big 12 Newcomer of The Year. Despite not being picked in the draft, he signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Short stints with the Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers laid the foundation of McClung’s NBA journey before making his mark at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2023 All-Star Weekend.
