The anticipation builds as the 2025 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest approaches, set to take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This year, the highly awaited competition will feature four promising contestants ready to showcase their dunking skills during one of the highlight events of the All-Star Weekend. Fans will surely be on the edge of their seats as they witness Mac McClung attempt to seize his third consecutive title.
Returning to defend his crown, McClung, who currently plays for the Osceola Magic of the G League, is already well-versed in the art of dunking. Having won the contest twice before, he looks to solidify his legacy as potentially the greatest dunker by tying the record held by Nate Robinson for the most wins—three.
Joining McClung are three rising talents: Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls, who is already making waves as a promising rookie; Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs, who continues to impress fans with his explosive style; and Andre Jackson Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks, known for his elite defensive capabilities and vertical leap. While the lineup may not include established superstars, the excitement lies with these young contenders eager to make their mark.
Since its inception during the 1984 All-Star Weekend, the Dunk Contest has been the centerpiece of NBA festivities. The competition's format has evolved over the years, and this year's edition will follow the familiar structure—a model honed to perfection since 2002. Participants will compete over two rounds: the first round sees each player perform two dunks, with the top two scoring contestants advancing to the championship round for yet another two dunks.
Scores are awarded on a system ranging from 40 to 50 by five judges, making up for some consistency after criticism over judging fairness previously. This year’s panel includes legends such as Baron Davis, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, and Jason Richardson. Adding another twist, fan scoring will also play a role, as fans with NBA identities can submit their scores live, and content creator Jesser will announce this average score, which will be included alongside those from the judges as part of the final evaluation.
The spotlight on McClung not only highlights his personal achievements but also emphasizes the contest's reputation as the keystone of All-Star Saturday Night as it has struggled with waning viewer interest over the past few years. Notably, the thrilling battle between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon several years back created peaks of excitement rarely matched since.
For sheer entertainment, the Slam Dunk Contest offers basketball fans rare moments of innovation, creativity, and pure athleticism within the confines of the sport. This year, the showcase will be complemented by two other staple events—the Kia Skills Challenge and Starry 3-Point Contest—creating an edge-of-your-seat atmosphere for spectators both at the Chase Center and tuning in via television. Fans can catch the event live on TNT and TruTV, or stream it via platforms like Max and Hulu + Live TV.
The action kicks off on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET, following the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest earlier on the same evening. With the league striving to rejuvenate the Dunk Contest’s allure, all eyes will certainly be on McClung and his skilled challengers to see if this remains the crown jewel of All-Star Weekend.
The stakes are high as McClung seeks immortality alongside his fellow dunkers aiming for stardom. Will the young prospects rise up against his seasoned technique, or will McClung's experience prevail? One thing is for sure: as the bright lights shine on San Francisco, the stage is set to witness the next chapter of NBA All-Star Dunk Contest history!