Mac McClung reacts in 3-words after committing to NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend 

Mac McClung, a two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion, has committed to the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at next month’s All-Star weekend in San Francisco. McClung, who now plays for the Orlando Magic, will be aiming for a historic third Slam Dunk title after winning the event in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

McClung confirmed the news on social media, posting a three-word message in his Instagram story to express his excitement about defending his NBA dunk title once again.

“Excited and grateful,” McClung wrote as he reposted ESPN’s Shams Chanaria’s report of joining the contest.

Mac McClung's IG story

Aside from McClung, three other names were confirmed to join the annual All-Star Saturday night main event: Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls, and Andre Jackson Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks. Castle and Buzelis were drafted in 2024, while Jackson Jr. was picked in the 2023 NBA draft, completing the very young dunk contestants.

McClung has been making waves in the G-League for Orlando Magic’s affiliate, Osceola Magic. He won the 2024 NBA G-League MVP after averaging 24.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 52.4% from the field.

After last year’s dunk contest win, McClung joined an illustrious group of two-time dunk contest victors such as Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Zach LaVine. If he wins this year, he will become the second three-time winner of the contest after the five-foot-nine Robinson.

McClung has played with four NBA teams in as many seasons in the league. He started with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers, prior to his stint with the Magic. He has played in just one game so far this year in the NBA.

Mac McClung dunks over Shaq to take down NBA champion Jaylen Brown in last year’s dunk contest

Mac McClung had an amazing showcase the last time fans saw him compete in the All-Star weekend’s dunk contest. McClung, who only stands at six-foot-two, dunked over the seven-foot-one Shaquille O’Neal in his final dunk attempt to secure the 2024 slam dunk title. He not only dunked over O’Neal, but he also reversed the ball to impress and retain his throne.

McClung defeated NBA champion Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics in the finals, who also impressed with his dunks on his first try in the contest. Jaime Jaquez of the Miami Heat and G-League player Jacob Toppin, the brother of Indiana Pacers’ Obi Toppin, also participated.

McClung is favored to win his third straight dunk title in 2025, given the youthful lineup that includes two rookies.