NBA All-Star Saturday night can be a hit-or-miss event on a year-to-year basis.
When we get one that hits, however, the events of the evening are ingrained in your brain for the rest of your life. 2000 in Oakland with Vince Carter stealing the show or 2016 in Toronto with the memorable battle between Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine come to mind.
The 2023 edition of All-Star Saturday night was one such spectacle.
Here’s a look at the seven best moments from the night.
The Mac Attack saves the dunk contest
Earlier this week, G League guard Mac McClung signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Known primarily for viral videos of his dunking exploits in high school by only hardcore hoops heads, on Saturday, McClung introduced himself to the greater basketball world. He likely also saved the reputation of the event for years to come with four absolutely jaw-dropping slams, earning him a perfect score for all but one dunk and was crowned the 2023 dunk contest winner.
In case you haven’t seen these things yet, here’s a look at all four of his attempts in order:
Over two people, tap off the glass, reverse
Two-handed 360 windmill
Double-pump reverse after jumping over a man
The 540 and Vince Carter “It’s over!”
More than anything, the measurement most remarkable about McClung’s performance on the evening was the reaction of his NBA peers.
The looks of complete awe and incredulousness seen from stars sitting courtside such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell – two athletic freaks in their own right – are all you need to know about how mind-blowing the stuff McClung did was. Add on the fact he nailed all his jams on the first attempt and it was an easy victory for him.
Most importantly, for the NBA, McClung’s prodigious performance may have saved the event after quite a few dull years and calls, perhaps, for its abolishment.
There’s no doubt the NBA has a problem with the dearth of stars not wanting to participate in the dunk contest – why haven’t Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, two of the NBA’s brightest young stars and highest of flyers, taken part in the event yet? However, with McClung, the NBA has a participant that people want to see in the contest and is willing to do it again, as he confirmed during his post-victory speech on the TNT broadcast.
That’s something. And is at least a little more than what we had before.
Other dunk contest highlights from the night
There were other dunk contestants on the night besides McClung – three more to be exact.
In case you were wondering what they did, here’s a look at the best ones from the rest of the field:
Trey Murphy III and Jose “Grand Theft Alvarado” team up for a cheeky lob
It took him a few attempts, but this was nice from Kenyon Martin Jr.
Two-handed elbow dunk by Jericho Sims
Wicked reverse from Murphy
Pascal Siakam having a grand old time with his camcorder
There were no Toronto Raptors taking part in All-Star Saturday night, but Pascal Siakam, who will be playing in Sunday’s big game, was still a major part of the event’s festivities thanks to an older piece of tech he brought with him.
Channeling Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, Siakam brought out an old-school camcorder, to the delight of many.
The Raptors star teased that he would be bringing out the heavier hardware earlier in the day, but it was still very fun to actually see it.
Dame finally gets it done in his alma mater’s backyard
In his third time competing in the event, Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard finally won the three-point shooting contest. He did so in clutch fashion, hitting the final shot to put him just one point ahead of then-leader Buddy Hield for the win.
For extra sentimental value, Lillard did so while donning a Weber State uniform in honour of his old alma mater.
Lillard was famously only lightly recruited out of high school but found a home in Ogden, Utah playing for the Wildcats of Weber State. He became a legend there and grew his stock en route to becoming the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft.
With the all-star game back in Salt Lake City, just about a 40-minute drive away from the Weber State campus, the seven-time all-star wanted to make a kind gesture admiring his roots.
Julius Randle’s son is every Knicks fan
Of the other three-point shootout participants, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle had one of the worst showings, putting up only 13 points and failing to advance to the final round.
Randle’s son, Kyden, had a priceless reaction to the less-than-inspired performance from his old man.
Like a Knicks fan at the draft, Kyden appears to be fitting in just fine with the rest of the New York faithful.
Not many skills, but plenty of challenges to open the night
Though the night turned out great, it got off to a rough start after a terrible skills competition.
The format was bizarre with three rounds of uninspired competitions, and the talent on display was less than stellar, with the shooting skills part seeming almost ironic.
In the end, the Team Jazz group consisting of Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton won the event, beating out Team Rooks’ Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey and Jabari Smith Jr., and Team Antetokounmpos’ Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday – who subbed in for the injured Giannis.
In actuality, though, as the Jazz players were hoisting the trophy, the audience was the true winner because it meant the disaster of an opening act was finally over.
Nav Bhatia still believes
The only “highlight” of the skills competition was probably the sight of Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia speaking to Giannis courtside.
The two-time MVP won’t be a free agent until the summer of 2025 at the earliest, but there’s no harm in trying to keep the dream alive.
More from Sportsnet
G Leaguer Mac McClung touches the sky, dominates in Dunk Contest
Trail Blazers’ Lillard wins 3-point contest after Pacers’ Haliburton ties record
Steven Loung
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/nba-all-star-saturday-roundup-g-leaguer-mcclung-soars-to-new-dunking-heights/
By: Steven Loung
Title: NBA All-Star Saturday Roundup: G Leaguer McClung soars to new dunking heights
Sourced From: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/nba-all-star-saturday-roundup-g-leaguer-mcclung-soars-to-new-dunking-heights/
Published Date: 02-19-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of NBA players?
The NBA's average salary for the 2021-2022 seasons is $7.3million. This is based upon the $134 million salary cap that was established for this season. Individual player salaries may vary depending on their achievements and experience.
Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are superstars that can earn upwards of $40,000,000 per year. Newcomers may only be able to make the minimum $898,310 salary. Other veteran players could be eligible for exception salaries that range from $4.76million to $9.258million, depending on how many years they have been playing. In addition, players can earn bonuses and other incentives through their teams depending on their team's performance.
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Mark Eaton established the 1984-85 all-time blocks and blocks per games records (456 and 5.56 respectively) during a single season. Eaton's all-time total that year was the greatest single-season number in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon holds the NBA's record for most career blocks at 3,830. Throughout his 18-year career and 1,238 games played, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.
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This topic is hotly debated and has been talked about for decades. The "showtime Lakers of 80-1989" dominated this league for almost a decade, winning five championships. During this period, the Lakers featured stars such as James Worthy (Byron Scott), and Kurt Rambis.
The Los Angeles Lakers of 200-2004, later known as the Shaw and Kobe Lakers, were a force to be reckoned with. They were defeated by Shaquille Bryant and Kobe Bryant, both Hall of Famers. They won three consecutive championships between 2000 and 2002.
The Chicago Bulls in the 1990s were also a dominant force. They won six titles under Phil Jackson, their iconic head coach. Michael Jordan was the team's greatest player, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever. The Chico Bulls 1995-1996 are one of the most iconic teams in NBA history. They won the first three consecutive NBA championships, and also set a record 72 wins. The Bulls' 72-10 regular-season record was broken by Golden State Warriors in 2015-16.
The 1960s Boston Celtics were perhaps the most famous dynasty of the NBA. They won eight consecutive championships and eleven titles under Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach. Legendary players such as Sam Jones, Bob Cousysy, John Havlicek, John Cousysy and John Havlicek created a winning culture for the Celtics that has endured for decades.
The San Antonio Spurs are a contender for best NBA dynasty. From 1999 to 2007, the Spurs won four titles and had one the longest runs in league history. Led by future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich, they bettered the team's basketball approach, emphasizing a team-first mentality that made them successful.
With four NBA championships over the past decade, the Golden State Warriors are one the most successful teams ever. Steve Kerr, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are their stars. The Warriors are a thrilling brand of basketball that has delighted fans around the world and is also considered the greatest NBA dynasty.
It's not easy to pick the best NBA dynasty. Each team was different and each had its own players and coaches, but the dominance of some teams made them stand out. It would be hard to argue for the greatest NBA dynasty without the Bulls Bulls Bulls Celtics Spurs Warriors and Celtics.
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Lebron James is currently the NBA's leading scorer. His career totals 38,388 points as of February 7th, 2023 . LeBron James second with 38,38th points on February 7th to break Karim's record. Karl Malone is third with 36,928. Kobe Bryant ranks fourth with 33 643 points. Michael Jordan is in fifth position with 32,292 marks.
When was Bill Russell last seen?
"The great ones play when it counts most" -Bill Russell
A legend lives forever. When he stops playing, a legend dies.
For those few seconds, however, the greatest basketball player offered us a glimpse into his greatness.
Russell was conceived in February 1934. He passed away on July 31, 2022. In just 13 seasons, he won 11 championships for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell received five MVP Awards and 12 All-Star selections. In the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was also inducted. He was a remarkable leader and defender, who ignited the game's passion for winning.
He made the Celtics a great team and one of the most admired dynasties sports history. He was unselfish and a strong competitor who encouraged his teammates to achieve their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations upon generations of coaches, players, and fans. His legacy will never fade.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. We will forever remember you as one of basketball's greatest players.
Statistics
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
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bleacherreport.com
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Also, make sure you find out what fabric is used for the jersey. Most NBA jerseys made from 100% polyester. But, there are some that may be made with a mixture of different materials. It is also important that you verify the authenticity of the product.
Before you make your purchase, be sure to read through customer reviews. This will allow you to determine the quality of the customer service. After you have found an online shop with a good reputation make sure to compare prices before making your purchase.
