Stephen Curry, Mac McClung Exchange Messages After NBA Slam Dunk Contest

The Warriors star shouted out the Sixers' high-flyer, and McClung returned the favor by referring to Curry the “goat.”

76ers guard Mac McClung was crowned the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion after showing out with three perfectly scored attempts out of four on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Following his jaw-dropping performance, which drew some major praise from Shaquille O'Neal, Warriors superstar Stephen Curry took to Twitter to shout out and congratulate McClung.

Curry reminisced on watching McClung's incredible high school mixtapes, which were full of incredible in-game dunks, before saluting the 24-year-old for his journey in the league.

McClung has been back and forth between the NBA and the G League, having just signed with the Sixers ahead of the All-Star break. Curry, like the rest of us, was in awe over his performance despite him having played in just two games in his NBA career.

Man was a viral HOH high school dunk phenom, still working his way to the League, but lemme go get that dunk contest trophy right quick and bring it back to life!!! Unreal #macmclung

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 19, 2023

The Golden State sharpshooter congratulated McClung on bringing the dunk contest "back to life" during his entertaining spectacle on Saturday night. 

The 76ers guard, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Curry's kind words.

Appreciate you goat. The dream is the journey 🙏 https://t.co/HRSVzXn9HU

— mac mcclung (@McclungMac) February 19, 2023

McClung became the least experienced NBA player in history to win the dunk contest. The record was previously held by Kobe Bryant, who won the 1996-97 edition after just 39 games as a pro, per ESPN Stats and Info. 

He's yet to even suit up for the 76ers since being acquired during the week, yet he's already set some franchise history, becoming the first player in team history to win the dunk contest or three-point contest. 

Historic Night for Mac McClung:

McClung's 2 NBA games played are the fewest by any player to win a dunk contest.

He joins Spud Webb as the only players 6'2" or shorter with three "50" dunks in a single contest.

He is the first 76er to win the dunk contest or 3-pt contest. pic.twitter.com/q1MWlCkE8c

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 19, 2023

In addition to leaving his stamp on the league, McClung got some much-deserved recognition from Curry, returning the compliment by calling the Warriors star the "goat."