SUMMARY
- The 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Mac McClung previously won the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Mac McClung, the undrafted yet talented player of the developmental affiliate of the Orlando Magic, made a case for his potential in 2023. It’s astonishing that the best dunker of the last season is still a G Leaguer. Well, the 25-year-old product of Texas Tech was not content with his career and kept working at it. Mac McClung is currently playing for the Osceola Magic and defended his title in the 2024 Slam Dunk Contest tonight.
The 2023 Slam Dunk Winner skyrocketed the NBA stratosphere with his stellar dunks. It’s worth noting that the undrafted hooper was able to score perfect 50s on all but one dunk. However, the player is still trying to earn a place in the NBA. After winning the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest in Salt Lake City, Mac McClung did it yet again.
The defending #ATTSlamDunk champ opens with a❗️#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday on TNT pic.twitter.com/tZPlrOkZf6
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
Not only did he defeat Boston Celtics’ star Jaylen Brown, but he also delivered another set of wild dunks. The Slam Dunk Contest was held on February 17, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. However, an aspect that might pique fans’s interest is: what was the prize money for the 2024 Slam Dunk Contest?
Mac McClung sees a small increase in prize money in 2024
The undrafted G Leaguer was cheered loudly by the Indianapolis crowd, while Brown had to be content with the boos. After all, the product of Texas Tech started with an impressive reverse dunk in the first round itself. He edged his opponents with a high score of 97.4. After landing first place with his final dunk, Mac will take home $105,000 tonight.
They need to increase the prize money to get stars out or go get some professional dunkers https://t.co/hKZN2dhQm4
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 18, 2024
In 2023, after winning the NBA AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, McClung could take home an exorbitant $100,000. This year, the former exhibit-10 contract holder witnessed the results of staying put and making conscious efforts. The second prize worth $55,000 was won by Jaylen Brown, while the other players will get $20,000 as participation money. While McClung is unsure whether he can tie Nate Robinson’s Slam Dunk record, he definitely made history tonight.
Mac McClung joins Michael Jordan in an exclusive club
After his stellar performance at the 2023 contest, the NBA was eager to put him on the big screen a second time in a row. However, only some fans might remember when he shared his Mount Rushmore of dunkers. In 2023, after winning the contest, he was quick to place Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Zach Lavine, and Dominique Wilkins on his list.
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN 🤯
Mac McClung is the back-to-back #ATTSlamDunk champion ‼️
Straight 5⃣0⃣’s#StateFarmSaturday on TNT pic.twitter.com/p2sBx7h2IM
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
Who knew that he would join the 4-player elite club after winning the second Slam Dunk contest? After Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, and Zach LaVine, McClung has become the fifth player to win a Slam Dunk Contest back-to-back. Last year, he got endorsements from Puma and other shoe deals; it’s yet to be seen what the two-time slam dunk winner will get this time.