NBA Slam Dunk 2023: ‘Kevin Durant gotta make a Shaq-style apology about Mac McClung.’

That’s the message from a few Twitter users in response to Saturday’s 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest victory by the guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, Mac McClung.

Suns’ Kevin Durant should apologize to Mac McClung

The NBA invited G League players instead of the true stars, which prompted recent comments from Durant.

With McClung’s victory, a video of Durant criticizing the NBA for allowing G League players to participate in the celebrations resurfaced online.

KD even made a reference to McClung in that clip: “it used to be sacred to be a part of All-Star Weekend.”

Mac McClung, who just got a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, won the Slam Dunk contest with three dunks worth 50 points each. Ten of the 12 dunks were done on the first try. This made up for the fact that last year’s contest wasn’t as smooth.

After Mac McClung disproved Kevin Durant, fans were quick to point out the basketball star’s error.

The Sixers rookie proved to everyone that he belongs in the tournament, and some have even given him credit for keeping the Dunk Contest alive and even keeping the likes of Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson in it.

“I think Kevin Durant owes McClung an apology!!” another commenter said. While a third supporter said, “Now Kevin Durant gotta make a Shaq-style apology about Mac McClung.”

Here are some responses to Durant’s analysis:

While Durant has yet to comment on McClung’s victory, given the criticism he’s been receiving, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him give the new dunk champion his congratulations.

Mac McClung Wiki

No. 9 – Philadelphia 76ers
Position Point guard
League NBA
Personal information
Born January 6, 1999 (age 24)
Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.
Listed height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Listed weight 185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school Gate City (Gate City, Virginia)
College
  • Georgetown (2018–2020)
  • Texas Tech (2020–2021)
NBA draft 2021 / Undrafted
Playing career 2021–present
Career history
2021 South Bay Lakers
2021–2022 Chicago Bulls
2022 →Windy City Bulls
2022 Los Angeles Lakers
2022 →South Bay Lakers
2022–2023 Delaware Blue Coats
2023–present Philadelphia 76ers
2023–present →Delaware Blue Coats
Career highlights and awards
  • NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2023)
  • NBA G League Next Up Game (2023)
  • NBA G League Rookie of the Year (2022)
  • NBA G League All-Rookie Team (2022)
  • Big 12 Newcomer of the Year (2021)
  • Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2021)
  • Big East All-Freshman Team (2019)