The 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend is officially over after all the events have been concluded. Nonetheless, this year’s All-Star Weekend didn’t disappoint. It had all the drama and excitement. LeBron James finally lost an All-Star game as a captain against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard was crowned as this year’s 3-Point contest winner against a highly efficient Buddy Hield. Mac McClung, a G-League player who stunned the world with his terrific performance at this year’s Dunk Contest.
Last year’s edition of the Dunk Contest was a bust after a poor showing from all the performers. However, with all the participants in the Dunk Contest coming in from the G League, they sure didn’t disappoint. All four participants made an impact on the crowd, but no one did it more than Mac McClung. Shaquille O’Neal had a few words for all the participants but had singled out McClung before the contest was underway.
McClung who went undrafted in 2021 is with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he is currently playing in the G League with Delaware Blue Coats. Unlike the rest of the participants, he wasn’t popular among the crowd. Shaq turned up to McClung before the contest and gave him some pointers to keep in mind. Young Mac took those words seriously and followed them, which led him to make a name for himself by winning the contest.
Mac McClung won the contest and broke Kobe Bryant’s record of winning the title with a fewer number of games played in the NBA.
What advice did Shaquille O’Neal give to Mac McClung?
Shaquille O’Neal may have given some of the best advice a young Mac McClung will remember for the rest of his life. McClung came into the competition relatively unknown. He is a former High- School dunk sensation, who brought his A-game onto the big stage. “This is where you steal the show, nobody knows your name, make them remember your name, and don’t miss a dunk. Alright good luck brother, alright big fan of yours.” Said Shaq before the contest started.
“Don’t miss a dunk” – Shaq to Mac McClung 😂 pic.twitter.com/aVsE7WUlBC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2023
After some inspiring words from Big Diesel, McClung went on to put up some legendary dunks. Even after spending the majority of his time in the G League, McClung performed spectacularly. Mac will surely be remembered after his performance at the Dunk Contest. Recently, Dunk Contest fail to live up to its true potential, however, this year it was a Mac McClung show at the Dunk Contest.
McClung is on a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He won’t be able to put up the same performance in a regular game, but the NBA teams are sure to make a note of him.