NBA Twitter goes crazy over Sixers’ Mac McClung winning dunk contest

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

February 19, 2023 6:00 am ET

The Philadelphia 76ers received their first slam dunk contest winner on Saturday night in Utah when two-way player Mac McClung took home the award with four elite dunks. He received not one, not two, but three scores of 50 as he turned some heads on who he is and what he brings to the table.

McClung went undrafted in 2021 after three collegiate seasons–two at Georgetown and Texas Tech– and he showed off the elite athleticism that he has become known for. He has been in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, the affiliate of the Sixers, and he averaged 19.1 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 50% from deep in 18 regular season games with the Blue Coats.

Philadelphia then signed him to a two-way deal shortly before the break so one has to figure he will be on the roster at some point.

NBA Twitter went insane on Saturday night in the aftermath of McClung’s showing:

Mac McClung saved the Dunk Contest.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 19, 2023

Mac McClung was a G-League player like five days ago and now is being mobbed by all of the best basketball players in the world and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado as they absolutely lose their minds

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 19, 2023

Giannis spooked. It’s Mac’s league now.

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) February 19, 2023

above all: Mac McClung never missed an attempt. only one chance to make a first impression.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 19, 2023

I wasn’t expecting that out of Mac McClung, but that was impressive

— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) February 19, 2023

In all seriousness, Mac McClung did save the dunk contest. Nobody was excited for this contest, at all. He put on a show. #Sixers

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 19, 2023

In the past five days, Mac McClung has:

▪️ Gone from the G-League to the 76ers▪️ Been signed by PUMA▪️ Won the Slam Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/JLHuBNLh00

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 19, 2023

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