On Saturday, February 15th, Mac McClung made his mark on NBA history, joining Nate Robinson as the only players to win the dunk contest three times! Adding to the excitement, Puma released the All-Pro Nitro Elite Basketball Shoes that Mac wore during the competition, so basketball fans alike can sport the shoes themselves.

      Many celebrated McClung’s flashy performance, including legendary dunker, Vince Carter. However, Hall of Famer and former San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili felt that Spurs rookie Stephon Castle deserved the victory. McClung and Castle advanced to the final round after outdoing Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Bouzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. in the first round. Castle came close to pulling off an upset, finishing with a score of 99.6, just shy of McClung’s winning total. He also earned the night’s only other perfect dunk, a solid score of 50 points from the judging panel. The judges featured Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady, as well as Baron Davis and two-time dunk contest champion Jason Richardson. Fan votes from the NBA app also contributed to the final scoring.

      Taking to X, Ginobili admitted he might be biased but argued that Mac McClung’s dunks lacked variety. “Awesome dunk, don’t get me wrong, but all too similar for me.” He elaborated further stating, “The four are very similar. No variety. Very good, but almost the same.”

      One of McClung’s standout dunks involved a silver Kia K5, reminiscent of Blake Griffin’s Iconic 2011 dunk. While Griffin jumped over the car’s hood, McClung leaped over the car’s roof, earning his first perfect 50 of the night. He went on to receive three more 50-point dunks, becoming just the fourth player in the contest’s history to achieve at least four perfect scores on his way to victory.

      Some speculate that McClung may have used his assistant, whom he introduced as “Sturdy Nate”, as added leverage. While Castle only had one of his four dunks assisted, all of McClung’s dunks on Saturday night were supported, including three from his “trusted assistant.” during the post-event interviews. Mac did not explain why he called his buddy sturdy, but critics say Mac used Nate to help himself get up higher and complete his incredible feats. Was that perhaps why he got his nickname?

           Mac used whatever he could and while he put on a show, it did look one-dimensional in the sense that all of his dunks began by taking the ball from someone who held it. Perhaps that’s what Manu meant with his comments. Regardless, McClung’s dunks were indeed impressive, and certainly a feat to behold for viewers and fans of the sport alike.