Mac McClung to defend Slam Dunk Contest title

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th February, 15:29 2024

Feb 18, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Mac McClung (9) celebrates with the trophy after winning the Dunk Contest during the 2023 All Star Saturday Night at Vivint Arena. credits: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Mac McClung will defend his Slam Dunk Contest title as part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities on Feb. 17 in Indianapolis.

The NBA announced the participants Thursday for the dunk contest, the 3-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge.

McClung, who plays for the G League's Osceola Magic, will match dunks with Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, Knicks rookie forward Jacob Toppin and Heat rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.

The eight participants in the 3-Point Contest include defending champ Damian Lillard. Battling the Bucks star will be Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Lauri Markannen (Jazz), Malik Beasley (Bucks), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Trae Young (Hawks) and 2022 contest winner Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves).

Three teams will compete in the Skills Challenge. Team Top Picks features Paolo Banchero (Magic), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) and Victor Wembanyama (Spurs). Team Pacers, representing the All-Star Game hosts, features Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner. Team All-Stars is made up of Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Tyrese Maxey (76ers) and Young (Hawks).

The festivities are held one day before the NBA All-Star Game.

—Field Level Media