2024 AT&T Slam Dunk: Mac McClung bests Jaylen Brown, repeats as champion

Mac McClung is the 6th player to win the Slam Dunk contest twice and the 1st to do it in consecutive seasons since Zach LaVine in 2015-16.

So what do we make of the throw-down that captured the 2024 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest?

Let’s call it the Mac-A-Shaq.

It was the perfect combination and contrast for a small guy and big guy Saturday at All-Star Weekend. Mac McClung (6-2) elevated over retired Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal (7-1) with a reverse to go back-to-back in the contest.

It was a sweet defense by McClung, who once again competed as a member in the G-League, last year with the Delaware Blue Coats, this time with the Osceola Magic. He scored 50 with all the judges on the winning dunk.

Runner up was Jaylen Brown, whose first of two dunks in the final round was a tribute — wearing the high school jersey of Terrance Clarke, the Boston-born 19-year-old died in a car crash three months before the 2021 draft. Clarke was drafted posthumously by the league in the first round.

Jaime Jaquez of the Heat and Westchester Knicks G-Leaguer Jacob Toppin were first-round eliminations.

McClung became the first player since Zach LaVine in 2015-16 to repeat as champion. Asked if he’ll try for three straight, he was non-committal: “I would never say never … It’s an honor to be here.”

— Shaun Powell

After winning a 2nd consecutive AT&T Slam Dunk contest, Mac McClung breaks down each dunk and his thoughts along the way.

> 2024 Participants:

Jaylen Brown (Celtics)Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat)Mac McClung (G League, Osceola Magic) *Jacob Toppin (Knicks)

* defending champ