McClung soars to a win in dunk contest

Mac McClung might have single-handedly restored the shine on a dunk contest that has been widely panned in recent years.

McClung, the 6-foot-2 76ers guard on a two-way contract, defeated Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III in the finals of the dunk contest, culminating an NBA All-Star Saturday that may have finally answered the question as to whether what used to be the league’s signature event can be glitzy again.

McClung had the answer: Absolutely.

“I’m truly blessed and grateful for the NBA giving me this opportunity,” McClung said.

A 540-degree dunk — not a 360, a 540, him doing one-and-a-half rotations in the air — was his third perfect score of the night out of four dunks, but by the time the judges’ scores came up it was already decided. Everyone in the building knew he’d already won.

„ ■ Damian Lillard represented his school. And he did them proud. The Blazers star won the 3-point contest at the NBA’s All-Star Saturday, topping Indiana teammates Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton in the final round. Lillard wore a Weber State jersey during the contest.

College basketball:

DaJuan Harris scored all 14 of his points in the second half as No. 5 Kansas beat No. 9 Baylor 87-71 Saturday.

Golf: DP World Tour star Thomas Pieters, ranked No. 34 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and past PGA Tour winners Danny Lee and Brendan Steele are set to join the LIV Golf League, sources told ESPN on Saturday.

NFL: Eric Bieniemy, a two-time Super Bowl-winning assistant with the Chiefs, has agreed to be the Commanders’ offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

WNBA: Diana Taurasi re-signed with the Mercury, agreeing to a multiyear contract, the team announced Saturday.