Orlando Magic two-way guard Mac McClung achieved a rare feat in NBA history by winning the league’s slam dunk contest for the third straight year, something no one in the NBA has ever done before.
McClung celebrated his victory at Orlando’s Raising Cane’s on Feb. 19, where he reflected on his accomplishments and his future in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.
Mac McClung Gets Real on Winning 3rd Consecutive Dunk Contest
McClung was the first player to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for a third time since Nate Robinson did the same back in 2010. However, the difference between the two was that Robinson won three in five years — 2006, 2009, and 2010 — while McClung won three in a row, which hadn’t been done before.
McClung gave his honest thoughts on what it’s like to achieve such a rare feat on a big stage.
“As the only three-peat winner, it’s insane,” McClung told reporters at Raising Cane’s. “I was super grateful to be part of All-Star weekend and am just taking it one step at a time.”
McClung also talked about what felt different about not only trying to win a third time but also defending his title.
“It’s crazy because I felt like there would be less pressure on this contest, but there was more, and it was such a relief for it to go well,” McClung said. “I’m so flattered. I love this contest, and I want the best for it.”
With the win, McClung is on a hot streak and could try to go for four if he wants. However, McClung himself said he wasn’t sure if he’d participate again.
“Never say never, but I’m really happy with how this one went,” said McClung. “I’m not sure what’s next for me career-wise.”
All-Star weekend hasn’t been immune to criticism, and 2025 was no exception. However, McClung’s participation in the Slam Dunk Contest was one of the better highlights. McClung acknowledged some of the issues with All-Star weekend but made it clear how honored he feels to participate in the festivities.
“All-Star weekend is going through some rough patches, but it’s such an honor to draw these kinds of crowds,” McClung said. “I love this contest, and it’s a bonus that people like me get to come out here and compete.”
There’s no telling if McClung will try to go for a fourth trophy. If he decides he doesn’t want to do the contest again from here on out, he can take great pride in knowing that he went out on top.
