Mac McClung might have single-handedly restored the shine on a dunk contest that has been widely panned in recent years. And Damian Lillard represented his school and his brand, doing them both proud.
McClung, the six-foot-two Philadelphia guard on a two-way contract, defeated New Orleans' Trey Murphy III in the finals of the dunk contest, culminating an NBA All-Star Saturday that may have finally answered the question as to whether what used to be the league's signature event can be glitzy again.
McClung had the answer: Absolutely. WATCH | McClung soars to NBA slam sunk title: "I'm truly blessed and grateful for the NBA giving me this opportunity," McClung said.
A 540-degree dunk — not a 360, a 540, him doing one-and-a-half rotations in the air — was his third perfect score of the night out of four dunks, but by the time the judges' scores came up it was already decided.