usatsi
Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal have so much in frequent. They’re each Los Angeles Lakers legends who received a number of titles for the franchise, they’re each former MVPs and so they’re each Hall of Famers. They additionally each assume that Mac McClung “saved” the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
McClung rose out of relative obscurity on All-Star Saturday Night to earn his place in league historical past with a shocking efficiency within the Slam Dunk Contest. In addition to profitable the trophy, he additionally earned the admiration of present and former stars, who had nothing however reward for him.
O’Neal was quick and to the purpose when requested about McClung’s efficiency whereas strolling via the tunnels inside Vivint Smart Home Arena: “He saved the dunk contest.”
Johnson, in the meantime, too, took to social media to supply his ideas. “Mac McClung has personally saved the slam dunk contest together with his efficiency tonight!!” the Lakers legend wrote on Twitter. “He placed on a present!”
McClung was a shock entrant into the occasion and wasn’t even on an NBA roster when he first accepted the invitation again in January. In reality, he solely signed a two-way cope with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. But whereas he nonetheless has work to do on his all-around sport, he is perfected his dunking expertise.
He got here out of the gates robust by leaping over two individuals and tapping the ball on the backboard earlier than throwing down a reverse slam. That effort, which he accomplished on his first attempt, grabbed everybody’s consideration, and he rapidly proved it was no fluke. Three of his 4 dunks on the night time obtained excellent 50 scores from the judges and the one that did not was a 49.8. He displayed creativity, model and athleticism, and handled the strain in elegant style.
