Mac McClung etched his name in the NBA’s history on Saturday, clinching a historic three-peat in the Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star Weekend. With each rim-rattling jam, the 26-year-old proved why he’s the best in this game. However, McClung’s dominance did more than win him another trophy. It rekindled the fire among NBA’s some of the biggest names, like Ja Morant and Zach LaVine.

Earlier in the ongoing season, the Memphis Grizzlies superstar had sworn off dunking in games (oh, please!). But it looks like Mac is shifting gears for Morant. He first teased a possible dunk contest, then cranked up the hype even further—calling out two of the best to ever do it: Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine.

With a simple, yet loaded, “Zach & AG wassup 👀,” Morant set the stage for what could be a dunk contest revival. And just like that, LaVine bit. The two-time champ, who edged out Gordon in that legendary 2016 battle and defended his crown in 2017, responded with a cryptic but promising message:

“Thinking I might have too again….”

Nine years after he took flight on All-Star Saturday, LaVine just cracked open the door to a comeback—and fans practically kicked it off its hinges.

The dunk contest has lost its spark in recent years, with fans craving star power. But if LaVine, Gordon, Morant, and other big names step in next year, everything changes. Just like that, the event goes from forgettable to must-watch. 

Meanwhile, Mac McClung’s $310K win is sparking the flames of the pro dunking giants of the league. Thus giving hope to the fans that the Slam Dunk Contest could become a game-changer from next year onwards.

Mac McClung’s three-peat inspires Ja Morant and Co. to change plans making fans optimistic

“Thank you so much Mac Mcclung 🙏🙏,” one of the fans commented on X. Indeed, McClung has to be thanked here. Had it not been for his insane dive over the car to hit that wild slam dunk, and eventually win the contest, do you think Ja Morant would side-eye Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon? No.

Anyway, if Morant plans to bring back his dunks, it will be a treat for the eyes, but then it would throw former president Barack Obama into a concerned fit!

Meanwhile, someone wrote: “Mac really got all the hoopers reconsidering the dunk contest! You love to see it!” Well, it would be an absolute delight and a major boost to the league’s ratings and viewership if the maestros made a comeback to the dunk contest. Besides, someone suggested that increasing the price to $1 million could also lure the stars to change their mind.

However, a fan noted: “NBA players say this every year about the dunk contest during All Star Weekend then go radio silent the next year when they’re selecting participants lmao.” Every year, NBA stars hype up the dunk contest, teasing epic showdowns and legendary returns. But when it’s time to sign up, they suddenly disappear. Fans get their hopes up, only to watch another year of missed star power. Will next time be different, or will it be just another All-Star Weekend tease?

“Why you guys teasing us?” someone asked Ja Morant and Zach LaVine. The mind games have exhausted fans. Every year, NBA stars drop hints, spark excitement, and make bold claims—only to ghost the contest when it’s time to commit. But at least, Mac McClung’s three-peat is sparking a change. So, naturally, fans are asking: Why tease us if you’re not gonna deliver?