All articles tagged with #slam dunk contest
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson expressed interest in participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but stated that he would only enter if he makes the All-Star Game. The event has seen a lack of big names in recent years, and Williamson, a two-time All-Star, did not make the team this year despite averaging impressive stats.
Stephen A. Smith criticized the NBA All-Star Game and Slam Dunk Contest, blaming LeBron James for the decline of the latter event due to his refusal to participate, which set a precedent for other stars. Smith argued that James' decision led to a lack of top-tier talent in the contest, contributing to its demise.
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been criticized for its lack of starpower and poor judging, with the 2024 contest being a prime example. Despite standout performances, the judging felt predetermined, overshadowing the event. Reigning champion Mac McClung won, but the push to get Jaylen Brown into the final undermined the competition. The format and judging inaccuracies continue to deter stars from participating, prompting calls for a new, more relaxed format to revitalize the contest.
Mac McClung, who has only played in four NBA games, won his second Slam Dunk Contest title at NBA All-Star Weekend, defeating Jaylen Brown, Jacob Toppin, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. He impressed with a final dunk over Shaquille O’Neal, earning a perfect score and securing the win. McClung, who plays for the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate, became the sixth player to win at least two dunk contests and the first to win it in back-to-back years since Zach LaVine in 2015 and 2016.
The Slam Dunk Contest at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend is facing a decline due to a lack of novelty and originality in the dunks performed. The event's reliance on familiar concepts and the repetition of similar dunk ideas has led to a decrease in interest and excitement. Suggestions for potential fixes include hiring dunk choreographers, pitting professional dunkers against NBA veterans, or making the contest a less frequent occurrence. Until new and innovative dunking techniques are introduced, the event is likely to continue disappointing fans.
Mac McClung successfully defended his NBA Slam Dunk Contest title by leaping over Shaquille O’Neal to secure five perfect scores on his final dunk, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Zach LaVine in 2015 and 2016. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard won the three-point contest for the second consecutive year, and Tyrese Haliburton made a tiebreaking half-court shot to lead Team Pacers to victory in the Skills Challenge.
Mac McClung won the NBA Dunk Contest, but fans were disappointed with the event, missing the excitement of past contests. NBA Twitter and players like Aaron Gordon and Joel Embiid reacted to the contest, with Gordon joking that he could have gotten second place. Despite the disappointment, fans appreciated the LED court used in the event.
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown brought star power back to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest after six seasons, delivering an artful performance with tribute dunks to his hometown, Boston, and his late friend Terrence Clarke. Brown's creative and meaningful dunks, including a nod to Dee Brown's iconic no-look slam and a humorous left-handed dunk, reignited excitement in the competition and left a lasting impact on the event.
Mac McClung wins his second consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest title by leaping over Shaquille O’Neal and earning perfect scores, while Damian Lillard defends his 3-point contest title and Tyrese Haliburton hits a half-court shot to win the NBA Skills Challenge for Team Pacers.
G League player Mac McClung wins the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for the second year in a row, defeating Jaylen Brown in the finals. The event featured questionable judging, with some controversial scores and decisions, leading to speculation and disappointment among fans.
NBA All-Star Saturday in Indianapolis features the skills challenge, three-point contest, a head-to-head three-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, and the slam dunk contest, leading up to Sunday night’s All-Star Game.
The NBA All-Star weekend is in full swing with the skills competition, 3-point contests, and slam dunk competition taking place tonight, featuring representation from Indiana Pacers stars. The LED court showcased during the All-Star weekend has garnered attention, while NBA commissioner Adam Silver is hesitant to change the 65-game rule for postseason awards. Additionally, Isiah Thomas believes his firing by Larry Bird in 2003 was a mistake, Guy Fieri visited the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, and an Indy life coach won the NBA Foundation Pitch Competition. The HBCU Classic and the NBA All-Star Game will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and R&B singer Chris Brown claimed he was disinvited from playing in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The 3-point contest participants and the schedule for NBA All-Star Saturday night are also highlighted.
Jacob Toppin aims to become the first set of brothers to win the NBA Slam Dunk contest, with defending champion Mac McClung as the favorite. SportsLine's NBA expert Alex Selesnick, known as PropStarz, advises against betting on Jaylen Brown due to lack of creativity, and recommends a player who has shown exceptional creativity for the 2024 Slam Dunk contest. Selesnick's analysis and best bets can be found on SportsLine for those looking to make informed picks for the event.
The 2024 NBA All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-point contest, can be watched on TNT and streamed on Max. Viewers without cable can use live TV streaming services like Sling TV, which is currently offering a 50% off deal for the first month. The All-Star Game will air on TNT and stream on Max on Sunday, February 18.
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to feature Mac McClung, Jaylen Brown, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jacob Toppin, with McClung as the favorite to win back-to-back titles. The contest format, rules, and odds are outlined, with McClung leading as the rightful favorite. Brown's participation adds legitimacy to the event, while Jaquez Jr. and Toppin bring their own potential surprises. The article provides betting picks, favoring McClung as the best bet, and highlights past winners and trends in the Slam Dunk Contest.