NBA All-Star 2025 witnessed an electrifying night as Mac McClung, G-League sensation, clinched a historic third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest victory. His flawless performance solidified his place in basketball folklore, as he became the first player to ever win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three years in a row. In a contest that had fans buzzing, McClung’s creativity, athleticism, and daredevil stunts dominated the evening.
In an homage to Blake Griffin, he leapt over a car for a powerful reverse dunk to start his night. And unlike Griffin, who jumped over the hood of a car, McClung cleared the roof.
Mac McClung YOU ARE CRAZYYYYYYYpic.twitter.com/tASjuE7wv9
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) February 16, 2025
The dunk secured the first of his four perfect scores, including a powerful reverse slam over another human being on his second effort
Mac McClung LEVITATED for a 50 on his 2nd dunk ✈️
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025
He advances to the #ATTSlamDunk Final Round 🍿 pic.twitter.com/V8WkDSQBBZ
A Historic Performance: McClung’s Perfect Night
When the dunk contest 2025 kicked off, McClung was on a mission to make history. His opening dunk was a thrilling homage to Blake Griffin, where McClung leapt over a silver Kia sedan, clearing its roof with ease.
This stunt was a nod to Griffin’s iconic 2011 dunk over a car, but McClung took it to new heights. The dunk earned him a perfect score of 50, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
McClung’s subsequent dunks were just as jaw-dropping. He executed a reverse dunk over a fellow contestant, and then pulled off a show-stopping move, leaping over 6-foot-11 Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, kissing the rim with the ball before throwing down a powerful two-handed slam. Each of his dunks earned a flawless 50, leading him to the slam dunk contest 2025 crown.
Despite a fierce challenge from Stephon Castle, the Spurs rookie, McClung’s unique flair was unmatched. Castle earned a perfect score of his own, but it was McClung who walked away as the undisputed winner.
His three-peat was a moment for the ages, and he continues to solidify his legacy as one of the dunk contest winners in NBA history.
Tyler Herro Triumphs in 3-Point Contest
While McClung stole the spotlight in the dunk contest, the 2025 NBA All-Star Saturday wasn’t just about high-flying dunks. The 3-Point Contest also provided its own excitement, with Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat clinching the victory over Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors.
Herro, who became the fifth player in Miami Heat history to win the title, topped Hield with a final-round score of 24 to Hield’s 23. Herro’s clutch shooting and composure under pressure helped him secure the win in a competition that saw the reigning champion Damian Lillard fall short, failing to make it past the first round.
Herro’s victory capped an incredible performance in front of a lively crowd, and he took pride in joining the ranks of other great shooters who’ve won the 3-point contest. “Just happy to put my name in the history books for All-Star Weekend,” Herro said after the win.
Skills Challenge
In the Skills Challenge, a revamped format saw the Cleveland Cavaliers duo of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley come out on top, defeating the Golden State Warriors’ team of Draymond Green and Moses Moody in the final.
This year’s Skills Challenge featured four teams, including rookies Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr from Team Rooks, as well as Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs, though the Spurs’ duo was disqualified for breaking the contest’s rules.
The disqualification came when Wembanyama and Paul failed to take their shots during the shooting portion, instead tossing balls off the rack in a bid to gain a time advantage.
This unsportsmanlike behavior led to their removal from the event, much to the dismay of the Spurs fans in attendance.
What’s Next for All-Star Saturday?
As the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend continues to captivate fans, McClung’s history-making dunk contest win and Herro’s sharp shooting highlight the electrifying atmosphere that has become synonymous with All-Star Saturday.
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, 3-Point Contest, and Skills Challenge continue to evolve and bring new twists to the weekend, making it one of the most anticipated events on the basketball calendar.
Dunk Contest Participants:
- Mac McClung (Osceola Magic)
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
- Andre Jackson Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
3-Point Contest Finalists:
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
- Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
