NBA All-Star weekend highlights: McClung jumps car in perfect dunk win

SAN FRANCISCO — Mac McClung brought out the props for the slam dunk contest – a car, a ladder, a hoverboard.

And despite his limited NBA experience – the 6-2 high-flyer from the G League jumped, floated and wowed the crowd with his creativity for another All-Star slam dunk contest victory Saturday at Chase Center.

McClung is the first player to win the event three consecutive times and was asked if it would be fair to consider him the greatest dunker ever.

“That’s not for me to decide,” McClung said.

Miami’s Tyler Herro won his first 3-point contest and prevented Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard from winning the event for the third consecutive season.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley won the Skills Challenge and NBA commissioner Adam Silver explained why there was no rematch between Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.

The league is debuting another All-Star Game format Sunday – a four-team, three-game mini-tournament that features three teams comprised of All-Stars and one team of young stars – the winners of the Rising Stars final Friday night.

Catch up on all of Saturday night’s action from the skills competition, 3-point shooting contest and slam-dunk fest:

Will Mac McClung inspire Ja Morant, others to join in dunk fun?

Mac McClung’s third consecutive slam dunk contest victory may have inspired NBA stars to return to the event that once featured the game’s top dunkers.

McClung’s performance caught the attention of Memphis star Ja Morant, a fierce in-game dunker who has never participated in the dunk contest.

Could we see Morant in the 2026 event?

What about Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo? If Morant is in …

Now that would be something, and it could draw McClung back for a shot at a fourth trophy.

NBA All-Star 2026 location

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome. The 2027 NBA All-Star Game is headed to the desert in Phoenix at the Suns’ Footprint Center. The location of the 2028 NBA All-Star Game has not been announced yet.

Mac McClung makes history, wins slam dunk contest

To start the final round, Spurs guard Stephon Castle needed several tries but his completed attempt was worth the wait. Castle had his dunk coach hit a layup off the backboard. And, as the ball was on its way down, Castle ran from under the basket, caught the ball as it was falling and hammered down an in-between-the-legs dunk. All but two judges gave him a perfect score, giving his first try a total of 49.6.

Again, Magic guard Mac McClung brought out props and pushed the limits. He had one person spinning on a hoverboard with a basketball held over his head. He had another person on a ladder with another ball positioned right in front of the rim. McClung ran, jumped over the person on the hoverboard, dunked the ball positioned in front of the rim first with his left hand and then slammed the other ball home. For the third time in the evening, McClung scored a perfect 50.

Afterward he said, ‘This might be it for me.’

For his second attempt, Castle appeared to complete a behind-the-back 360 with ease on his first attempt, getting a perfect score of 50. That gave him a final-round score of 99.6.

For his final attempt, essentially needing another perfect score, McClung had Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley — who is 6-foot-11 — stand on a short platform in front of the hoop. Mobley held a ball over his head and McClung jumped over Mobley, grabbed the ball, double-clutched by tapping it on the front of the rim and then slammed it home.

Again, McClung scored a perfect 50 to top Castle by 0.4 points. And, with that, he secured his third-consecutive Slam Dunk Contest championship, the first to do so.

Mac McClung, Stephon Castle advance to slam dunk final

Because he posted the lowest score in the first round (40), Bulls forward Matas Buzelis went first in the second dunk of the first round. Buzelis had a person glance the ball off the side of the backboard, while Buzelis grabbed it and put down a reverse dunk, though the ball clipped the rim on the finish. Buzelis scored 47.4 on that finish, giving him a first-round score of 87.4

As he did in his first attempt in the first round, Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. struggled to complete his first few tries. Jackson was trying to do a similar dunk to the one Buzelis did, but eventually altered his plan after three missed attempts and powered through a windmill. Jackson’s score of 45 gave him a first-round score of 88.8.

Spurs guard Stephon Castle, on his second attempt of his second dunk, caught a pass off the backboard and then seemingly easily did a 180 reverse dunk, finishing with power. Castle scored 47.8 on the attempt, giving him a first-round score of 95.

Magic G League guard Mac McClung, once again, netted a perfect score of 50 on his second attempt of the first round. This time, he had a person stand with the ball over his head. McClung then jumped over the person but almost appeared to float as he hesitated for a moment before turning and flushing home the dunk.

McClung, who is attempting to win his third consecutive dunk contest, will face Castle in the final.

Mac McClung dazzles with over-the-car jam

Rookie Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs opened the contest with a 360 windmill, perhaps as a tribute to Vince Carter, who flushed home a similar dunk in the 2000 contest that was in Oakland. Castle slammed the dunk down in his first attempt and compiling a score of 47.2 points.

Matas Buzelis of the Bulls, a fellow rookie, didn’t complete his attempt, trying several times to bounce the ball in between his legs as he jumped from under the basket. The ball, however, didn’t appear to bounce the way he wanted; each judge gave Buzelis a score of 40, the lowest possible score.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. appeared to be a little rushed in his attempts, and he missed his first three. Looking to just complete an attempt and get on the board, Jackson dunked a fairly straightforward double-clutch jam. His average score was 43.8.

Then, defending two-time champion Mac McClung opted for sizzle, bringing a Kia sedan onto the floor. McClung had a person hold the ball while extended through the sunroof as McClung soared over the car, grabbed the ball and powering home a reverse dunk that worked up the crowd. McClung got 50s across the board, easily topping the rest of the field.

All four participants will have one more attempt in the first round.

Vince Carter’s 2000 Slam Dunk Contest performance feted

The NBA honored Vince Carter and his historic Slam Dunk Contest performance from 2000 in the Bay Area.

Kenny “the Jet” Smith, whose “It’s over!” call on the broadcast 25 years ago added to the moment, opened the tribute, followed by former Raptors teammate (and Dunk Contest opponent) Tracy McGrady and even Carter, who is working on the TNT broadcast as an analyst.

Then, a videoboard in the arena replayed all five of Carter’s dunks from the contest in 2000.

Carter is also introducing each of the four participants in the contest.

Tyler Herro wins 3-point contest

SAN FRANCISCO — Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro won his first 3-point contest, besting Golden State’s Buddy Hield and Cleveland’s Darius Garland in the final round. Herro totaled 24 points to edge Hield, who had 23 points and needed to make his final five shots to win. He made his first three on the final rack, missed the fourth and made the fifth.

‘I got lucky,’ Herro said after his win. ‘I thought Buddy (Hield) was going to run off the last five (shots).”

Competing in the event for the second time in his career, Herro made both Starry money balls – worth three points instead of two – and made six of seven shots during one stretch in the finals to get the victory. Herro is having an All-Star season, averaging 23.9 points and shooting 38% on 3s. He is tied for fourth in made 3s this season with 189.

Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, the 2023 and 2024 3-point champion, New York’s Jalen Brunson, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman Powell were eliminated in the first round. Lillard was trying to join Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners.

Damian Lillard cannot complete 3-point contest three-peat

SAN FRANCISCO — There will no three-peat for Damian Lillard in the All-Star 3-point contest. Lillard, the 2023 and 2024 winner, failed to advance to the finals.

So, there will be a new champ this year. Golden State’s Buddy Hield, the 2020 3-point contest champ, Cleveland’s Darius Garland and Miami’s Tyler Herro advanced to the finals. Hield had the best score in the opening round with 31 points, followed by Garland’s 24 points and Herro’s 19 points.

New York’s Jalen Brunson, Detoit’s Cade Cunningham, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman Powell were also eliminated.

Watch: LiAngelo Ball performs viral song ‘Tweaker’

LiAngelo Ball, the brother of Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball and Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball, performed his viral song “Tweaker’ at the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco on Saturday. LiAngelo Ball, who goes by the nickname Gelo, was introduced at Chase Center by his older brother Lonzo.

“Some dominate the court by attacking the rim. Others dominate the stage by commanding the mic,” Lonzo Ball said on Saturday. “In my family, we do both.”

Following the song’s release on Jan. 3, ‘Tweaker’ sold 94,000 units in its first full week in the U.S., according to Chart Data. The official music video has nearly 9 million views on YouTube as of Saturday. The viral song even landed Gelo a music deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, ESPN reported.

Team Cavs win 2025 Kia Skills Challenge

Team Cavs, made up of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, captured the 2025 Kia Skills Challenge on Saturday. Team Cavs defeated Team Warriors (Draymond Green and Moses Moody) in the second and final round with a time of 1:00. Green got caught up on the chest pass obstacle with three consecutive misses, allowing Team Cavs to sail to the victory.

“When we agreed to do this, I told Evan (Mobley) that I wouldn’t let him down,” Mitchell said after the win. “He’s already got a win so the pressure was on me. He already did his part.”

Said Mobley: ‘It was fun, honestly. I feel like the first (round) was a little rusty (and) had to get back used to it. Then the second round, got the flow of it and Donovan followed right behind and got the W.’

Team Rooks (Atlanta Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher and Washington Wizards’ Alex Sarr) and Team Spurs (Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama) were eliminated after the first round. Team Spurs was disqualified for breaking the rules. (More on that below.)

‘Definitely cheating’: Team Spurs disqualified from Skills Challenge

Team Spurs, comprised of Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, were disqualified from the 2025 Kia Skills Challenge after trying to circumvent the rules.

The timed obstacle course consists of three bounce passes, a dribble downcourt, a chest pass, a 3-point shot from the top of the arc, an elbow jumper and a corner three, in addition to an outlet pass and a final shot from anywhere on the court. Each player on the team goes individually and contributes to a team score. Players can advance to the next obstacle after three shot attempts.

That’s exactly what Paul and Wembanyama tried to take advantage of. Instead of trying to shoot the ball, they both quickly threw up ‘shots’ that looked more like passes in an effort to cut down time.

Team Spurs finished with a time of 47.9 seconds, but the boo birds rang out at Chase Center. Donovan Mitchell of Team Cavs gave a big thumbs-down. Team Spurs was subsequently disqualified for not making valid shot attempts. Paul tried to argue his case to no avail and declined to be interviewed by TNT on the court afterwards.

“We were confused, but I think once when we found out they were disqualified, we realized just go ahead and do our own thing,” Mitchell said. “Credit to them, they tried to find a way to win.”

Mitchell added, “It was definitely cheating though.”

Jayson Tatum expresses interest in WNBA team investment

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum earned his first NBA Championship following the 2024 season and could be ready to fully express what he’s ready to champion next.

Tatum stated he would be interested in investing in women’s sports during his NBA All-Star Game weekend media availability.

The St. Louis native is prideful about where he is from and believes there would be value in him investing in a WNBA team in his hometown.

‘I have a sister that lives in St. Louis and is (11 years old),’ Tatum said. ‘So I understand the impact it will be for the city of St. Louis and a bunch of girls around my sister’s age.’

According to Sportico, Tatum had informally agreed to invest in a billionaire-backed bid to bring the women’s league to the city in 2024. Pro basketball players such as Tatum can have involvement in the WNBA after the latest NBA bargaining agreement allows for players to own up to 4% of the WNBA franchises. ‒ James Williams

NBA commish on Doncic-Davis trade: ‘Time will tell whether it’s the smart trade’

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also addressed big deals at the NBA trade deadline and addressed a trade that was rescinded.

On the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, Silver said he understands the anger from Dallas fans while also trusting a team to do what it thinks is best for the future.

“I mean, I’ve known Nico Harrison for a long time from his prior tenure at Nike, and I’ve gotten to be close to Patrick Dumont, our new governor in Dallas,’ Silver said. ‘I can say one thing for sure, whether or not history will openly judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization. I have absolutely no knowledge or believe there were any ulterior motives. There’s no doubt in my mind that Dumont-Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise.

“And in terms of the Dallas fans, all I can say to them is again, time will tell whether it’s the smart trade, but I think they should believe in their organization. Their organization truly made a trade that they believe was in the best interest of the organization. And in many cases, again, it doesn’t mean they were right or wrong, but it’s very difficult to put yourselves in their shoes. I mean, they are living with a situation. They have a philosophical belief on what’s necessary ultimately (to) win (the) champion(ship). And I’m not in a position to second guess that.”

● On the Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat saga, Silver said he does not believe the new collective-bargaining agreement will lead to more team-player acrimony.

“What the CBA was designed to do, honestly, is to force teams to make difficult decisions,” Silver said. “I think teams are still finding their way a bit through this new second apron and what it means. But for us, it’s no secret that part of the design of that CBA and pushing down high-end spending was to create more parity in the league and to do a better job distributing our best players around the 30 teams. And I think you’re seeing that to a certain extent already. I’ll note, I think new CBAs are always difficult to predict.”

● On the rescinded Mark Williams trade from Charlotte to the Los Angeles Lakers, Silver said the Hornets have not filed a protest, but the process will push the league to examine how it views player physicals.

“The larger issue in this day and age of sports science: is there a different standard of what we should be applying in terms of players passing physicals in trades and something we should look at as a league?” Silver said. “I would say this issue does not come up that often. I can’t even remember, and certainly I don’t think in my tenure there’s ever been a challenge because a player has failed (a) physical, but almost by definition you get into a certain level of subjectivity and where that standard is. But let’s see what Charlotte decides to do here. Either way, it’s gotten our attention.”

Curry vs. Ionescu, part 2? ‘We just weren’t feeling it,’ says NBA commish Adam Silver

SAN FRANCISCO — NBA commissioner Adam Silver said another Steph Curry-Sabrina Ionescu 3-point All-Star shootout didn’t materialize because it felt forced this year vs. the organic nature of the popular and energetic Curry-Ionescu showdown at last year’s All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

“Last year was so magical, that competition, that it started to feel forced (this year),” Silver said. “And I think there was concern from all of us that we just weren’t feeling it … even though I had been public, I had said that I was very hopeful or said it was going to happen again. And I think that it just got to the point where, I don’t know how to say it other than we just weren’t collectively feeling it. That it was such a unique moment last year. …

“It just seemed like coming back here, as exciting as it might have been, that this just wasn’t the right time to do it. And there’s no more to it than that.”

Damian Lillard, Mac McClung go for rare three-peats

The Kansas City Chiefs weren’t able to complete a historic three-peat at Super Bowl 59, but Damian Lillard and Mac McClung have their chances at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco.

Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks and McClung of the Orlando Magic and Osceola Magic are vying for a rare three-peat in the 3-point and slam dunk contest, respectively.

Lillard became just the sixth player in league history to win back-to-back 3-point contests following his victories in Salt Lake City in 2023 and Indianapolis in 2024. If Lillard can pull off the feat, in his hometown nonetheless, he’ll join the Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird (1986-88) and the Chicago Bulls’ Craig Hodges (1990-02) with a 3-point contest three-peat.

“The three-point shot … has made my career great, because I think I’m one of the best at it. It was that way when I stepped foot into the league,” said Lillard, who is fourth all-time in three-pointers made in NBA history. ‘Shooters shoot. That’s what it comes down to … I think it’s pretty simple. I know that I’m a great shooter and I’m a consistent shooter.’

No one has ever won the slam dunk contest three consecutive times. Can McClung be the first?

McClung is the fifth player to win back-to-back slam dunk titles, following Michael Jordan (1987-88), Jason Richardson (2002-03), Nate Robinson (2009-10) and Zach LaVine (2015-16).

New NBA All-Star game format

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be a tournament format with four teams: Team Chuck, Team Shaq, Team Kenny, and Team Candace, created by the Rising Stars event winner.

The four teams will battle it out in two semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the championship. The main event will take place Sunday and will be broadcast on TNT. — Elizabeth Flores

NBA All-Star skills competition: How to watch showcase

TV channel: TNT, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday’s All-Star festivities, including the dunk contest, will be broadcast on TNT, starting at 7 p.m. ET with a tipoff show. The night will be hosted by the network’s ‘Inside the NBA’ crew – Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith with Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller and Allie LaForce providing commentary and reporting. Events begin at about 8 p.m. ET. You can stream it on Sling.

NBA All-Star skills competition: How to stream basketball event

NBA All-Star weekend welcomes a few events tipping off across networks that include ESPN and TNT, which you can stream on Sling.

Watch NBA All-Star weekend events with Sling

Who is participating in the Slam Dunk contest?

Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis
Spurs guard Stephon Castle
Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr.

Prize money for Slam Dunk contest

First place: $105,000
Second place: $55,000
Third place: $20,000
Fourth place: $20,000

Who are Slam Dunk contest judges?

Former NBA players Baron Davis, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady and Jason Richardson are this year’s dunk contest judges. Richardson won the event twice (2002, 2003).

Slam Dunk contest winners, by year

2024: Mac McClung, Philadelphia 76ers
2023: Mac McClung, Philadelphia 76ers
2022: Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
2021: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
2020: Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat
2019: Hamidou Diallo, Oklahoma City Thunder
2018: Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
2017: Glenn Robinson III, Indiana Pacers
2016: Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves
2015: Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves
2014: John Wall, Washington Wizards
2013: Terrence Ross, Toronto Raptors
2012: Jeremy Evans, Utah Jazz
2011: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
2010: Nate Robinson, New York Knicks
2009: Nate Robinson, New York Knicks
2008: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
2007: Gerald Green, Boston Celtics
2006: Nate Robinson, New York Knicks
2005: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
2004: Fred Jones, Indiana Pacers
2003: Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors
2002: Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors
2001: Desmond Mason, Seattle SuperSonics
2000: Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
1997: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
1996: Brent Barry, Los Angeles Clippers
1995: Harold Miner, Miami Heat
1994: Isiah Rider, Minnesota Timberwolves
1993: Harold Miner, Miami Heat
1992: Cedric Ceballos, Phoenix Suns
1991: Dee Brown, Boston Celtics
1990: Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
1989: Kenny Walker, New York Knicks
1988: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1987: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1986: Spud Webb, Atlanta Hawks
1985: Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
1984: Larry Nance, Phoenix Suns

What are Slam Dunk contest rules?

In the final round, the dunker with the lowest score from the first round will go first. The same scoring rules apply, and the contestant with the higher score will be the champion. In the case of a tie, there will be a one dunk dunk-off. If there is a tie following the dunk-off, the judges will vote to break the tie, as in the tiebreaking scenario from the first round.

What is prize money for winning 3-point contest?

First place: $60,000
Second place: $40,000
Third place: $25,000
Fourth place: $15,000
Fifth place: $15,000
Sixth place: $15,000
Seventh place: $15,000
Eighth place: $10,000

What are the NBA 3-point contest rules?

Ball racks are stationed at five locations around the 3-point line, and four of the racks contain four orange basketballs and one money ball. The orange basketballs are worth one point, and the money ball, which has to be the last ball shot on each rack, is worth two points. The fifth rack will be an all money-ball rack and each competitor gets to choose where this rack will be among the locations. Each money ball on this rack is worth two points. Two pedestals are placed deeper than the 3-point line, edging closer to the center court logo, and each pedestal holds a white basketball. A made shot from deep range is worth 3 points.

What’s the future of ‘Inside the NBA’? Details still need to be worked out

SAN FRANCISCO – The idea of not working NBA All-Star Weekend didn’t register with TNT’s Kenny Smith until a friend asked him a question this week.

“My friend asked, ‘Are you going to come to All-Star Weekend next year?’ Smith told USA TODAY Sports from the green room at Pier 48, down the street from Golden State’s Chase Center. He was preparing to appear with TNT’s popular “Inside the NBA” crew for a show before the Minnesota-Oklahoma City game.

“I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He says, ‘Well, NBC does it after this season.’ When my friend asked me that question, I had never thought about it.’ Read the full story here.

Opinion: NBA’s winning social media strategy comes at expense of All-Star Game

Despite the NBA’s best efforts over the last decade to juice up its All-Star Game to a vague level of competitiveness and credibility, it’s hard to see the league’s newest gimmick generating significantly different results this weekend than the Elam Ending or having LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo drafting the teams.

If that’s the case, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will likely see it as a failure. He has made it clear he wants the All-Star Game to be something other than a glorified pickup run, and the league hopes that this year’s format — dividing players into four teams and having a first-to-40 tournament — will be more satisfying for fans in the arena and more attractive for those watching on television.

But the real problem with the All-Star Game is not something the NBA can fix with a new format, or even shoveling money into the bank accounts of the players.

The problem is us. Or, to be more precise, the way our collective consumption of the NBA has evolved. Read Dan Wolken’s column here.

Opinion: NBA All-Star Game on life support? Format change may save it

NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants a more competitive All-Star Game. His broadcast partners domestically and globally want a more competitive game. Fans – and their seething, disgusted, and worse, apathetic emails dropped into my inbox – want the same. I, too, prefer a more competitive All-Star Game.

Yet, I am skeptical that there is a long-term solution to making it a better product for the league, its partners and fans. Read Jeff Zillgitt’s column here.

Steph Curry teases new film ‘Goat’

Golden State Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry is weighing in on the NBA GOAT conversation, sort of.

‘A lot of debate but there can only be one GOAT,’ Curry shared on social media Saturday during the 74th NBA All-Star Weekend, which returned to the San Francisco, Bay Area for the first time since 2000. Instead of mentioning the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, Curry teased his upcoming film, ‘Goat.’

Curry released the official movie poster for ‘Goat,’ which is set to hit theaters on Feb. 13, 2026. The release date coincides with the 75th NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles next year. Curry will serve as the producer of the original animated sports comedy, which features an actual goat playing basketball.

‘This kid’s got game,’ the film’s poster reads.

Carmelo Anthony, Sue Birds finalists for 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class

A group of 17 finalists were announced for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 on Friday as part of the NBA’s All-Star Game weekend, including former Nuggets and Knicks icon and 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, eight-time All-WNBA point guard Sue Bird, three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and four-time WNBA champion Maya Moore.

The group of finalists was whittled from a list of 95 nominees that were announced in mid-December. Nominees are sorted through six categories: North America, Women’s, Contributor, International, Women’s Veteran and Veteran. Read the full list of finalists here.

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