Dunk Contest – G-Leaguer Mac McClung Brings the Dunk Contest Back
Mac McClung of the G-League’s Delaware Blue Coats became the first G-League player ever to win the NBA Dunk Contest. McClung, the G-League Rookie of the Year in 2021-22, has been one of the most popular G-League players and finally got a chance to showcase his incredible talents on a national stage at this year’s NBA Dunk Contest in Utah. Right before the Dunk Contest, McClung signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and will be eligible to play in both the G-League and the NBA for the remainder of the season. The Dunk Contest has lacked hype and intrigue in recent years, but McClung’s amazing performance brought it back. Check out some of his insane dunks from this year’s Dunk Contest.
Many current NBA stars and celebrities showed support and respect to McClung for his great performance.
McClung was a viral sensation for his incredible dunks in high school. Check out some of his impressive dunks as a youngster.
3-Point Contest = Dame Time ⏱
This year’s 3PT contest featured some of the NBA’s elite shooters, with All-Star Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers taking the victory. Other stars that competed in this year’s 3PT contest included Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Lauri Markannen of the Utah Jazz, Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat, Kevin Huerter of the Sacramento Kings, and Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers. This 3-Point Shootout included two “starry range” shots worth triple points from deep range, something Lillard is known for. Lillard is one of the best deep-range 3-Point shooters in NBA history and capitalized on his extra money ball opportunities, giving him the edge over the Indiana Pacers’ backcourt tandem of Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield in the final round. Check out his performance below!
Dame needed 26 or more points to outscore Buddy Hield and take the title and beat it on his final shot, showing why Dame is one of the most clutch players in the NBA. Check out Dame’s winning shot, and Hield’s reaction below!
Dame finally won a 3PT contest, cementing himself as one of the best shooters of all time.
The 3-Point contest didn’t garner as much hype from the NBA crowd as the Dunk Contest, but Steph Curry, the NBA’s best shooter of all time who couldn’t compete in this year’s 3PT shootout due to a knee injury, gave Lillard his props.
Rising Stars Tournament – Jose Alvarado Wins MVP With His Game-Winning Shot
This year’s Rising Stars Challenge took a slightly different form with the NBA’s best rookies and sophomores forming 3 teams, and the G-League All-Stars forming another team. The 4 teams would face off in a 3 game mini-tournament and the winning teams would face off the in the Rising Stars Finals. The three teams composed of the NBA’s best up-and-coming talents were named after their honorary head coaches: NBA All-Stars Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Deron Williams. The three coaches chose their players during the Rising Stars Draft, with each one selecting seven players to make up their rosters. The G-League team had been determined previously and was led by Utah Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry. Alongside #1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, New Orleans Pelicans 2nd year guard Jose Alvarado led Team Pau to the victory over Team Joakim and hit the game-winning shot, giving him the MVP of the tournament. Check out Alvarado’s game-winner and MVP-level performance below!
Skills Challenge – Hometown Heroes
This year’s Skills Challenge featured 3 teams of 3 players each. The Antetokounmpo brothers Thanasis, Alex, and Giannis formed the Antetokounmpo team, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler made up the hometown Utah Jazz Team, and Jabari Smith Jr., Jaden Ivey, and Paolo Banchero made up the Rookie Team. The hosts of this year’s All-Star Weekend, Salt Lake City, Utah had something to celebrate, as Team Jazz took home the win.
Celebrity Game – Seattle Seahawks Star Steals the Show
The 2023 Celebrity game featured former NBA stars, famous actors, musicians, media personalities, and athletes from other sports. DK Metcalf, a star Wide Receiver for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, dominated the game with a number of athletic plays and impressive dunks. He looked like a legit NBA player out there and proved why he is one of the best athletes in all of the sports.
Richard Jefferson, a former NBA star and current NBA media member, became the first person to announce, referee, and play in the Celebrity Game.
The Miz, a professional wrestler in the WWE, hit a halfcourt shot to tie the game at the buzzer, but unfortunately, the shot was too late and didn’t count giving NBA legend and minority owner of the Utah Jazz Dwyane Wade’s team the win over the Jazz’s governor Ryan Smith’s team
