The 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to bring high-flying action to San Francisco during All-Star Weekend, with Mac McClung looking to secure his third consecutive title.
The contest, once the crown jewel of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, has faced declining interest in recent years, but McClung’s dominance has reignited some excitement.
Who is in the NBA Dunk Contest?
This year’s lineup features a mix of young talent and a returning champion:
- Mac McClung (G League, Osceola Magic) – Two-time defending champion
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls) – Promising rookie with impressive athleticism
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs) – Rising star with an explosive game
- Andre Jackson Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks) – Defensive specialist with elite hops
While no established superstars are participating this year, the presence of rising talents and McClung’s pursuit of history add an intriguing narrative to the contest.
Dunk Contest format and rules
The competition consists of two rounds:
First round: Each participant attempts two dunks, judged on a scale of 40 to 50 by five judges. The two dunkers with the highest scores advance to the final round.
Final round: The remaining two contestants perform two more dunks, with the highest total score determining the winner.
Dunkers have 1 minute and 30 seconds to complete a dunk, with one extra try allowed. They can only attempt a dunk three times before being penalized.
Who are the judges?
This year’s panel includes:
- Baron Davis
- Kevin Garnett
- Tracy McGrady
- Jason Richardson
Additionally, fans with an NBA ID can vote live, with their average score factoring into the final results. Content creator Jesser will announce the fan vote and serve as a tiebreaker if necessary.
How to watch the NBA Dunk Contest
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: TNT, TruTV
- Streaming: Max, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV
The Slam Dunk Contest will cap off All-Star Saturday Night, following the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest.
Will Mac McClung cement his place in history, or will a new dunking king emerge? Fans won’t want to miss the action.
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