Mac McClung became the first player to win three consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest titles on Saturday, delivering a performance that featured four perfect-score dunks, including a high-flying leap over a car.
The 26-year-old G League star paid homage to Blake Griffin’s 2011 dunk contest win by soaring over a silver Kia sedan, setting the tone for his historic night.
Despite an early stumble, McClung’s flawless execution in later rounds secured the title over San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, who finished with a score of 99.6.
“I genuinely love this contest and [I’m] just very appreciative,” McClung said.
McClung posted four perfect 50-point dunks, joining Zach LaVine (2016), Aaron Gordon (2020), and Derrick Jones Jr. (2020) as the only players to achieve that feat in a single contest, according to ESPN Research.
Castle, the fourth Spur to ever compete in the event, believed the competition could have gone to a dunk-off. “I felt like my third dunk should have been a 50,” he said.
McClung later announced that he would donate the car he jumped over to a foundation in his hometown of Gate City, Virginia.
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