Mac McClung Aims for Historic Third Dunk Contest Win

CHICAGO, Ill. — Mac McClung is set to make history during the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive Slam Dunk Contests. Having already claimed victories in both 2023 and 2024, McClung stands as a unique figure in the league, primarily playing in the G League.

At 6 feet 2 inches tall, McClung faces challenges that taller players do not. “When you’re shorter, you have to leap higher, which makes every dunk that much more impressive,” McClung said ahead of his third showdown. His remarkable jumping ability is underscored by a vertical leap of 43.5 inches, one of the highest recorded at the NBA G League Draft Combine, and ranks seventh in combine history.

The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list McClung as a clear favorite at -175 for the contest. With his dynamic dunking style, he aims to outshine competitors like Matas Buzelis and Stephon Castle, who are both contenders for the title but have expressed that they will present innovative dunks of their own.

McClung’s back-to-back victories have placed him in elite company, making him one of only seven players to win the competition multiple times since its inception in 1976. His performances have brought excitement back to the Dunk Contest, drawing comparisons to past legends while quickly rising through ranks of dunking greats.

Despite his accomplishments, McClung faces challenges in fully establishing his legacy. The dunk contest is historically structured, but participants have generally been high-profile players, leading to questions about the overall competitiveness of the event in recent years.

“Winning back-to-back titles is something I never thought I’d accomplish,” McClung said. “It’s a special feeling, and now the goal is to keep working hard and show what I can do again.”

The contest will highlight McClung’s creativity and elevate NBA All-Star Saturday Night as teams compete in events that showcase skill, precision, and spectacle. Alongside the Dunk Contest, Damian Lillard is favored to win his third consecutive 3-Point Contest title, bringing further excitement to the evening.

As All-Star Weekend draws near, excitement builds for these contests, bringing together established stars and emerging talents alike in an electrifying showcase of basketball prowess. McClung’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of the NBA, where athleticism and creativity continue to illuminate dunking as one of the sport’s signature spectacles.