SALT LAKE CITY — Mac McClung might have single-handedly restored the shine on a dunk contest that has been widely panned in recent years.
McClung, a 6-foot-2 guard on a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, defeated Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans in the finals, culminating an NBA All-Star Saturday that may have finally answered the question as to whether what used to be the league’s signature event can be glitzy again.
McClung had the answer: Absolutely.
“I’m truly blessed and grateful for the NBA giving me this opportunity,” McClung said.
A 540-degree slam — not a 360, but a 540, him doing 1 1/2 rotations in the air, a move more reserved for figure skaters and skateboarders than basketball players — was his third perfect score of the night out of four dunks. By the time the judges’ scores came up, it was already decided. Everyone in the building knew he’d already won.