Stephen Curry Praises Mac McClung After NBA Slam Dunk Contest
The Warriors star shouted out the Sixers' high-flyer, and McClung returned the favor by referring to Curry the “goat.”
76ers guard Mac McClung was crowned the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion after showing out with three perfectly scored attempts out of four on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Following his jaw-dropping performance, which drew some major praise from Shaquille O'Neal, Warriors superstar Stephen Curry took to Twitter to shout out and congratulate McClung.
Curry reminisced on watching McClung's incredible high school mixtapes, which were full of incredible in-game dunks, before saluting the 24-year-old for his journey in the league.
McClung has been back and forth between the NBA and the G League, having just signed with the Sixers ahead of the All-Star break. Curry, like the rest of us, was in awe over his performance despite him having played in just two games in his NBA career.
The Golden State sharpshooter congratulated McClung on bringing the dunk contest "back to life" during his entertaining spectacle on Saturday night.
The 76ers guard, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Curry's kind words.
McClung became the least experienced NBA player in history to win the dunk contest. The record was previously held by Kobe Bryant, who won the 1996-97 edition after just 39 games as a pro, per ESPN Stats and Info.
He's yet to even suit up for the 76ers since being acquired during the week, yet he's already set some franchise history, becoming the first player in team history to win the dunk contest or three-point contest.
In addition to leaving his stamp on the league, McClung got some much-deserved recognition from Curry, returning the compliment by calling the Warriors star the "goat."