McClung beats Brown to retain Dunk Contest title

Mac McClung repeated as the Slam Dunk Contest champion, defeating Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown in the final round.

McClung, a member of the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate, scored 48.8 and 50 on his final two dunks. He jumped over two people for the first dunk and then leaped over Magic franchise legend Shaquille O’Neal for the final jam.

He becomes the first player to repeat as champion since Zach LaVine accomplished the feat in 2015-16.

Round 1

PLAYER
DUNK NO. 1
DUNK NO. 2
TOTAL

Mac McClung (ORL)
48
49.4
97.4

Jaylen Brown (BOS)
48.8
47.6
96.4

Jacob Toppin (NYK)
47.8
47.2
95

Jaime Jaquez (MIA)
47.4
46.8
94.2

Round 2

PLAYER
DUNK NO. 3
DUNK NO. 4

Mac McClung (ORL)
48.8
50

Jaylen Brown (BOS)
48.6
49.2

McClung won the contest last year as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, defeating New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy. He was signed to a two-way deal at the time of the contest. McClung has yet to play in an NBA contest this season.

The high-flying guard revealed before the competition that he planned to debut two new dunks.

Brown put up a valiant effort in the final round. For his first dunk, he paid tribute to late Kentucky wing Terrence Clarke, donning his high school jersey for the spinning slam. Brown dunked over Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell for his final cram, wearing a white glove on his left hand to poke fun at critiques over his left-hand game.

Brown was the first All-Star to compete in the event since Victor Oladipo in 2018.

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