2025 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

I've never heard of Mac McClung before. I see he wasn't even playing in the NBA. I don't know why they allow G-League players to participate in NBA All-Star. He deserved to win though.

Slam Dunk contest in case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awLQ_A33H9Y

They allow Kevin Hart before to have an exhibition match on 3 point shooting contest before with Draymond Green. Having G-League is not surprising anymore if he showing an impressive performance on his league. Viewers like a wild card on this kind of event since this is an exhibition contest before the Playoffs.

He is the Rookie of the year on G-League last 2021-2022 even though he keeps changing team. I think he is a potential star.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/allstar/2023/02/18/mac-mcclung-wins-nba-dunk-contest-all-star-weekend/11294530002

He already got his chance in the NBA. He was too much of a defensive liability and too small to really use his skills in a game with top level players. He’s still young enough where he might get another shot and it sounds like the Sixers might give it to him, but unfortunately I think he’s missing the NBA body needed to be a factor. A shame because he has the skills and athleticism.

[wheelz1200]

I've never heard of Mac McClung before. I see he wasn't even playing in the NBA. I don't know why they allow G-League players to participate in NBA All-Star. He deserved to win though.

Slam Dunk contest in case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awLQ_A33H9Y

He just signed a 2-way contract days before the all-star game so before the dunk contest, he is officially an NBA player. 
https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/76ers-sign-mac-mcclung

I don't know if there has been a time where they are allowing G-league players to participate in the dunk contest, but as for McClung's situation, he's an NBA player already (signed by the Sixers) before the contest.

Nevertheless, he deserve that win. He's a great dunker, and I guess many are rooting him to win on that contest. Credits still though for the 3 participants who participated. They revived the "already dead" slam dunk contest because of what happened last year.

Yeah he really was the only one e to deserve to win.  On a side note kudos to Karl Malone for giving lower scores than anyone else for the other guys.  Was mainly unimpressed and everyone was still getting 50s and 49s.  Malone coming through to keep it real.  Was surprised Dominique was giving out high scores. 

[xzone]

Honestly I don't like new Friday night format. I'd prefer the classic Rookies vs. Sophomores game.

Saturday night was one of the best though. We watched awful Slam Dunk contests lately but this one was really good. I've never heard of Mac McClung before. I see he wasn't even playing in the NBA. I don't know why they allow G-League players to participate in NBA All-Star. He deserved to win though.

Slam Dunk contest in case you missed it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awLQ_A33H9Y

He seemed like a player who had been in the NBA before but had really failed and had a little too much ego to me. It's interesting that someone who has been playing for such a short time is actually in this organization, but now the NBA has become a show. I can see how well they made the right decision to keep the show going, we would have watched another bad dunk contest if this player hadn't participated. That's why I'm so glad that this player participated

[fullhdpixel]

Mac McClung took home the dunk contest trophy and rightfully so. He also had the dunk of the night with a 720 which was absolutely ridiculous. That was easily the best dunk since Aaron Gordon’s under the legs over the mascot dunk. This year’s contest was a big step up from last year’s. Hopefully next year we get to see Zion Williamson do something special…

Who the hell is this Mac McClung guy? I have never seen him before, but that dude just came in and bust the whole slam dunk contest open. I know that it is not looking good for the other players, we do not have any good dunkers in the league that is willing to participate anymore due to getting way too much backlash, so only the ones we see accept, but this dude could have outdunked anyone in the entire league.

Three point contest was a bit of a let down as well, nobody really played all that well, many players missed a ton like Randle, and I feel like Dame was obviously the best one, he deserved that one. I am not going to even talk about skills one, that one was terrible to watch.

[OgNasty]

Mac McClung took home the dunk contest trophy and rightfully so. He also had the dunk of the night with a 720 which was absolutely ridiculous. That was easily the best dunk since Aaron Gordon’s under the legs over the mascot dunk. This year’s contest was a big step up from last year’s. Hopefully next year we get to see Zion Williamson do something special…

Who the hell is this Mac McClung guy? I have never seen him before, but that dude just came in and bust the whole slam dunk contest open. I know that it is not looking good for the other players, we do not have any good dunkers in the league that is willing to participate anymore due to getting way too much backlash, so only the ones we see accept, but this dude could have outdunked anyone in the entire league.

Three point contest was a bit of a let down as well, nobody really played all that well, many players missed a ton like Randle, and I feel like Dame was obviously the best one, he deserved that one. I am not going to even talk about skills one, that one was terrible to watch.

I believe he was originally signed by the Lakers to be a replacement for Alex Caruso but didn't live up to being able to perform as well as Caruso.  This was the beginning of some terrible moves that make the Lakers go from NBA Champions to not being able to make the playoffs.  Getting rid of Caruso and Dwight Howard was like ripping the heart out of that team and thinking you could just replace them with scrubs like McClung and Montrezl Harrell.  I know Dwight Howard has his locker room issues, but getting rid of Caruso is a mistake that the Lakers are hoping to correct this offseason, as there are rumors they have been trying to get Caruso back, and they should.  Him and LeBron were amazing together.

[Baofeng]

Mac McClung took home the dunk contest trophy and rightfully so. He also had the dunk of the night with a 720 which was absolutely ridiculous. That was easily the best dunk since Aaron Gordon’s under the legs over the mascot dunk. This year’s contest was a big step up from last year’s. Hopefully next year we get to see Zion Williamson do something special…

Who the hell is this Mac McClung guy? I have never seen him before, but that dude just came in and bust the whole slam dunk contest open. I know that it is not looking good for the other players, we do not have any good dunkers in the league that is willing to participate anymore due to getting way too much backlash, so only the ones we see accept, but this dude could have outdunked anyone in the entire league.

Three point contest was a bit of a let down as well, nobody really played all that well, many players missed a ton like Randle, and I feel like Dame was obviously the best one, he deserved that one. I am not going to even talk about skills one, that one was terrible to watch.

I believe he was originally signed by the Lakers to be a replacement for Alex Caruso but didn't live up to being able to perform as well as Caruso.  This was the beginning of some terrible moves that make the Lakers go from NBA Champions to not being able to make the playoffs.  Getting rid of Caruso and Dwight Howard was like ripping the heart out of that team and thinking you could just replace them with scrubs like McClung and Montrezl Harrell.  I know Dwight Howard has his locker room issues, but getting rid of Caruso is a mistake that the Lakers are hoping to correct this offseason, as there are rumors they have been trying to get Caruso back, and they should.  Him and LeBron were amazing together.

Speaking of Caruso, I think the Lakers didn't intentionally want him to leave but because of his good performance, he has every right to ask for a good pay which unfortunately, the Lakers doesn't want to because of luxury taxes so they have to gave him up, just like what the Warriors vs GPII situation, he as a defensive gem for them, but signing Poole and Wiggins with big contract, their role players in that championship run were affected, although that good news is that GPII is back with the Warriors.

It was the Bulls who's the first one to sign him in the NBA, 10 day contract, after it expired, he goes again to G League become a Rookie of the year. Then signed with Lakers in a 2 way contract, then declined his qualifying offer.

[jakelyson]

Mac McClung took home the dunk contest trophy and rightfully so. He also had the dunk of the night with a 720 which was absolutely ridiculous. That was easily the best dunk since Aaron Gordon’s under the legs over the mascot dunk. This year’s contest was a big step up from last year’s. Hopefully next year we get to see Zion Williamson do something special…

Who the hell is this Mac McClung guy? I have never seen him before, but that dude just came in and bust the whole slam dunk contest open. I know that it is not looking good for the other players, we do not have any good dunkers in the league that is willing to participate anymore due to getting way too much backlash, so only the ones we see accept, but this dude could have outdunked anyone in the entire league.

Three point contest was a bit of a let down as well, nobody really played all that well, many players missed a ton like Randle, and I feel like Dame was obviously the best one, he deserved that one. I am not going to even talk about skills one, that one was terrible to watch.

I am also quite disappointed with the 3-point shooting contest this year. The competition is very low. I think this is the trend for this contest. It is getting less and less competitive each year. The same with all-star games. It has become a game where the players just let other teams scores. There is no real defense. I would like to see a game where they play for real with defense and all. The last I time I see an exciting all-star game was when the Elam Scoring format was introduced.

[Reid]

I am also quite disappointed with the 3-point shooting contest this year. The competition is very low. I think this is the trend for this contest. It is getting less and less competitive each year. The same with all-star games. It has become a game where the players just let other teams scores. There is no real defense. I would like to see a game where they play for real with defense and all. The last I time I see an exciting all-star game was when the Elam Scoring format was introduced.

Disappointed by the way they pick the other contenders. There are more shooters better than Randle. But I enjoyed watching Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard.

Three point contest was a bit of a let down as well, nobody really played all that well, many players missed a ton like Randle, and I feel like Dame was obviously the best one, he deserved that one. I am not going to even talk about skills one, that one was terrible to watch.

I don't think so, Haliburton somehow surprised them when he put up 31 points in the first round. That's a tie in the record made in the 3 point contest.
But he lost the rhythm on the next round, and he was rushing it. He already has one of the fastest releases in the league and he could've taken his time.
Then, there's Buddy Hield. He actually almost won the contest. I actually enjoyed watching those three players.

[carlisle1]

I don't think so, Haliburton somehow surprised them when he put up 31 points in the first round. That's a tie in the record made in the 3 point contest.
But he lost the rhythm on the next round, and he was rushing it. He already has one of the fastest releases in the league and he could've taken his time.
Then, there's Buddy Hield. He actually almost won the contest. I actually enjoyed watching those three players.

He impresses the fans on his first attempt, but you are right, he's rushing his shots, which supposedly he buys some time to make
a much better stroke. But, I think that's the way he really wanted to take those, and the outcome did not favor him.

Lillard got enough time to throw that winning shot and that converted and gave him the trophy. Nothing to say but it's really a good snatched.

Waiting for the live game between team LeBron and team Giannis.

[harizen]

I am also quite disappointed with the 3-point shooting contest this year. The competition is very low. I think this is the trend for this contest. It is getting less and less competitive each year. The same with all-star games. It has become a game where the players just let other teams scores. There is no real defense. I would like to see a game where they play for real with defense and all. The last I time I see an exciting all-star game was when the Elam Scoring format was introduced.

No big names are participating which is not expected by many. It's always like that and every All-Star game seems a bit turning into not that entertaining scene. Hope someday there will be another 2016 happenings that return the big excitement in All-Star, especially the Dunk Contest where prior to that year, the All-Star is not that entertaining too.

Although on a positive note, this All-Star game is the opportunity for those infamous players to somehow showcase their skills and tells the majority that they can put on a good show.

[goinmerry]

This makes me think that Giannis is going to have an edge for his team to win.

Looking at the roster though, Team Giannis does have a clear edge on winning against Team Lebron.

Good to see that team Lebron is not stacked with such big names as for sure, his critics will point it out again and will be serious even if the purpose of All-Star is just for entertainment purposes. Around less than an hour to go and tip-off will now commence between Team Lebron and Team Giannis. I hope that this game will be exciting with a thrilling close out game at the end.

[LogitechMouse]

This makes me think that Giannis is going to have an edge for his team to win.

Looking at the roster though, Team Giannis does have a clear edge on winning against Team Lebron.

Good to see that team Lebron is not stacked with such big names as for sure, his critics will point it out again and will be serious even if the purpose of All-Star is just for entertainment purposes. Around less than an hour to go and tip-off will now commence between Team Lebron and Team Giannis. I hope that this game will be exciting with a thrilling close out game at the end.

Ever since they changed the format from East Vs. West, Team Lebron has won all the all-star games and has a record of 4-0 currently.

Now the roster is more balanced than what it was last year, but I can't think of a way how Team Lebron will be losing this time knowing that he has the 2-Time MVP in Jokic and Doncic as well. It's sad to see Steph and Zion not playing though because of injuries. We will miss those no look three-point shots, high flying dunks this All-star game.  Anyway, lets just enjoy the game, and put our bets on it maybe. I put my bet on Team Lebron as I believe the streak continues, and has a better chance of winning (for me).

[danherbias07]

This makes me think that Giannis is going to have an edge for his team to win.

Looking at the roster though, Team Giannis does have a clear edge on winning against Team Lebron.

Good to see that team Lebron is not stacked with such big names as for sure, his critics will point it out again and will be serious even if the purpose of All-Star is just for entertainment purposes. Around less than an hour to go and tip-off will now commence between Team Lebron and Team Giannis. I hope that this game will be exciting with a thrilling close out game at the end.

Ever since they changed the format from East Vs. West, Team Lebron has won all the all-star games and has a record of 4-0 currently.

Now the roster is more balanced than what it was last year, but I can't think of a way how Team Lebron will be losing this time knowing that he has the 2-Time MVP in Jokic and Doncic as well. It's sad to see Steph and Zion not playing though because of injuries. We will miss those no look three-point shots, high flying dunks this All-star game.  Anyway, lets just enjoy the game, and put our bets on it maybe. I put my bet on Team Lebron as I believe the streak continues, and has a better chance of winning (for me).

I am siding with Team Giannis.
Yeah, with all the injuries it's really difficult to maximize the enjoyment part. We won't see some of the stars partake in this All-Star but I guess our new stars like Jokic and Doncic could find a way to make it more competitive. Then, there's Markannen, his first All-Star and Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, and Ja Morant who could show his springy moves.
Who knows, there may be a surprising moment just like what McClung did in the dunk contest. The unbelievable dunk that can mostly be done only in consoles NBA2k was did by a human. 

[EFS]

I wish it was going back to East vs. West and players wear their own teams jerseys. Team selections before the game was exciting though. We can say that's a good progress in this format.
First half was decent. Giannis only played for 20 seconds. LeBron's dunk was amazing. 3-pt contest champion Dame Dolla missed 7 in a row. Everybody scored except De'Aaron Fox. Kyrie and Tatum take the game more seriously. We'll see who wants to be MVP in second half though, I'm expecting LeBron to score more. We are watching an average All-Star game so far. I hope second half will be better.

[jakelyson]

I wish it was going back to East vs. West and players wear their own teams jerseys. Team selections before the game was exciting though. We can say that's a good progress in this format.
First half was decent. Giannis only played for 20 seconds. LeBron's dunk was amazing. 3-pt contest champion Dame Dolla missed 7 in a row. Everybody scored except De'Aaron Fox. Kyrie and Tatum take the game more seriously. We'll see who wants to be MVP in second half though, I'm expecting LeBron to score more. We are watching an average All-Star game so far. I hope second half will be better.

Lebron did not play in the second half because of an injury. It is too bad since in the second half, his team needs his leadership. Team Giannis poured threes from everywhere. I think it was Dame who even made a half court three. Tatum does not seem to miss from the 3-point area. Team Giannis created a big lead in the 3rd quarter that made it hard for team Lebron to overcome in the 4th quarter.

Congratulations to Jayson Tatum for bagging the MVP award.

[yazher]

Lebron did not play in the second half because of an injury. It is too bad since in the second half, his team needs his leadership. Team Giannis poured threes from everywhere. I think it was Dame who even made a half court three. Tatum does not seem to miss from the 3-point area. Team Giannis created a big lead in the 3rd quarter that made it hard for team Lebron to overcome in the 4th quarter.

Congratulations to Jayson Tatum for bagging the MVP award.

That was really one of the amazing games in the All-Star games and Lebron has lost his chance to tie MJ's 6-0 in the All-Star games. Unfortunately for him he was out before the end of the game because of injuries and they were in need of him but tonight was not his spotlight rather it was for Jayson Tatum which is one of the best things that happened to him since he has been playing in the NBA. Congratulations to Team Giannis because of their teamwork they beat Team Lebron without any problem 

[Kasabus]

This makes me think that Giannis is going to have an edge for his team to win.

Looking at the roster though, Team Giannis does have a clear edge on winning against Team Lebron.

Good to see that team Lebron is not stacked with such big names as for sure, his critics will point it out again and will be serious even if the purpose of All-Star is just for entertainment purposes. Around less than an hour to go and tip-off will now commence between Team Lebron and Team Giannis. I hope that this game will be exciting with a thrilling close out game at the end.

Ever since they changed the format from East Vs. West, Team Lebron has won all the all-star games and has a record of 4-0 currently.

Now the roster is more balanced than what it was last year, but I can't think of a way how Team Lebron will be losing this time knowing that he has the 2-Time MVP in Jokic and Doncic as well. It's sad to see Steph and Zion not playing though because of injuries. We will miss those no look three-point shots, high flying dunks this All-star game.  Anyway, lets just enjoy the game, and put our bets on it maybe. I put my bet on Team Lebron as I believe the streak continues, and has a better chance of winning (for me).

Was it 4-0 or 5-0 record and this time Team Giannis broke his winning streak. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

But yes, it is much more fun if it's the old format where it is East vs. West because that format is much more competitive compared to what we have now where the selected captains will be selecting their reserves and starting five. Anyway, Jayson Tatum won the All-Star MVP award garnering 55 points, half of that score was made beyond the arc. Quite unexpected if I would say because LeBron got Mr. Triple Double as well as Embiid and Luka, but it was a well-deserved play by Tatum, no doubt.

[LogitechMouse]

I wish it was going back to East vs. West and players wear their own teams jerseys. Team selections before the game was exciting though. We can say that's a good progress in this format.
First half was decent. Giannis only played for 20 seconds. LeBron's dunk was amazing. 3-pt contest champion Dame Dolla missed 7 in a row. Everybody scored except De'Aaron Fox. Kyrie and Tatum take the game more seriously. We'll see who wants to be MVP in second half though, I'm expecting LeBron to score more. We are watching an average All-Star game so far. I hope second half will be better.

Lebron did not play in the second half because of an injury. It is too bad since in the second half, his team needs his leadership. Team Giannis poured threes from everywhere. I think it was Dame who even made a half court three. Tatum does not seem to miss from the 3-point area. Team Giannis created a big lead in the 3rd quarter that made it hard for team Lebron to overcome in the 4th quarter.

Congratulations to Jayson Tatum for bagging the MVP award.

It's Dame time!!!!!.
Dame made the nail in the coffin that gave the Team Giannis the victory. Now the Lebron winning streak has ended.

It was a close one until the 3rd quarter where Mitchell, Dame and Tatum lead the way and poured some three point shots. Tatum scored 27 points in that quarter. The most number of points a player had in one quarter in NBA All-star game history. Tatum, Mitchell and Dame combined for 121 of the total 184 points by the whole team almost 2/3 of the points of the whole team came from only 3 players. That's just insane.

Anyway, both of the teams didn't play the whole game. I thought that Giannis can play even with his right hand injury, but he joined in the first 20 seconds and opted to go out and just watch. Lebron on the other hand, didn't play in the 2nd half because of an injury as well. Overall, a wonderful game to end the all-star week. Congratulations to Tatum who set a new record for most points of a player in NBA All-star history with 55 points.

With how the league is changing right now in terms of offense, I expect that this record will be broken year after year. I expect that somebody next year will break that record again.

[Oasisman]

This makes me think that Giannis is going to have an edge for his team to win.

Looking at the roster though, Team Giannis does have a clear edge on winning against Team Lebron.

Good to see that team Lebron is not stacked with such big names as for sure, his critics will point it out again and will be serious even if the purpose of All-Star is just for entertainment purposes. Around less than an hour to go and tip-off will now commence between Team Lebron and Team Giannis. I hope that this game will be exciting with a thrilling close out game at the end.

Ever since they changed the format from East Vs. West, Team Lebron has won all the all-star games and has a record of 4-0 currently.

Now the roster is more balanced than what it was last year, but I can't think of a way how Team Lebron will be losing this time knowing that he has the 2-Time MVP in Jokic and Doncic as well. It's sad to see Steph and Zion not playing though because of injuries. We will miss those no look three-point shots, high flying dunks this All-star game.  Anyway, lets just enjoy the game, and put our bets on it maybe. I put my bet on Team Lebron as I believe the streak continues, and has a better chance of winning (for me).

Was it 4-0 or 5-0 record and this time Team Giannis broke his winning streak. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

But yes, it is much more fun if it's the old format where it is East vs. West because that format is much more competitive compared to what we have now where the selected captains will be selecting their reserves and starting five. Anyway, Jayson Tatum won the All-Star MVP award garnering 55 points, half of that score was made beyond the arc. Quite unexpected if I would say because LeBron got Mr. Triple Double as well as Embiid and Luka, but it was a well-deserved play by Tatum, no doubt.

Nope, it's not all about how they design who plays in the East and who play is the West in the allstar game that decides the game to be serious or not, but it's them, it's today's NBA players that's making the allstar game obviously a joke. Grade schooler game is better than that allstar game lol. Every year passed, the allstar game is becoming less and less competitive. Though I understand that these players are also careful not to get injured, coz they still got a lot of schedules ahead of the allstar break, but at least they should've put an effort to make it more competitive.

See what coach Michael Malone and Jaylen Brown said about the allstar game.
Michael Malone : “That is the worst basketball ever played.”
Jaylen Brown: “That’s not basketball…”
source : https://www.instagram.com/p/Co373emOA8Y/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY%3D&fbclid=IwAR213whgCEyF1nlmucT92og6ScEqevwhSJcGT4gnRm1-DKQBh0aBLgZyGOE


Honestly, I'm glad I didn't watch the whole game coz I was kinda busy today. So, after seeing a few minutes from the highlights, I said to myself "dang! I did the right thing" lol.

[Jating]

I wish it was going back to East vs. West and players wear their own teams jerseys. Team selections before the game was exciting though. We can say that's a good progress in this format.
First half was decent. Giannis only played for 20 seconds. LeBron's dunk was amazing. 3-pt contest champion Dame Dolla missed 7 in a row. Everybody scored except De'Aaron Fox. Kyrie and Tatum take the game more seriously. We'll see who wants to be MVP in second half though, I'm expecting LeBron to score more. We are watching an average All-Star game so far. I hope second half will be better.

Lebron did not play in the second half because of an injury. It is too bad since in the second half, his team needs his leadership. Team Giannis poured threes from everywhere. I think it was Dame who even made a half court three. Tatum does not seem to miss from the 3-point area. Team Giannis created a big lead in the 3rd quarter that made it hard for team Lebron to overcome in the 4th quarter.

Congratulations to Jayson Tatum for bagging the MVP award.

It's Dame time!!!!!.
Dame made the nail in the coffin that gave the Team Giannis the victory. Now the Lebron winning streak has ended.

It was a close one until the 3rd quarter where Mitchell, Dame and Tatum lead the way and poured some three point shots. Tatum scored 27 points in that quarter. The most number of points a player had in one quarter in NBA All-star game history. Tatum, Mitchell and Dame combined for 121 of the total 184 points by the whole team almost 2/3 of the points of the whole team came from only 3 players. That's just insane.

Anyway, both of the teams didn't play the whole game. I thought that Giannis can play even with his right hand injury, but he joined in the first 20 seconds and opted to go out and just watch. Lebron on the other hand, didn't play in the 2nd half because of an injury as well. Overall, a wonderful game to end the all-star week. Congratulations to Tatum who set a new record for most points of a player in NBA All-star history with 55 points.

With how the league is changing right now in terms of offense, I expect that this record will be broken year after year. I expect that somebody next year will break that record again.

That's what Tatum said when he was award the MVP trophy, records are meant to be broken, so he is expecting that his 55 points in this game will be broken in the next couple of years.

Fun to see him against Jaylen Brown for a shoot out. Giannis though, looks like the wrist is really injured and he just used the left hand to score the first basket and then he went out. The league is still on the break though, so many players can still recover before going back to Friday's game.