Mac McClung asserts Shaquille O'Neal has been "showing him love" since high school
Some were upset at Shaquille O'Neal for his message to Mac McClung before the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest. However, McClung asserted that the LA Lakers legend has always been supportive of him since he was in high school in Virginia.
On "The Big Podcast with Shaq," McClung discussed his almost perfect performance at the Slam Dunk Contest. Shaq also clarified that his comments about McClung were not meant to be disrespectful.
"When I was giving you the pregame speech, you didn't think it was disrespectful, right?" O'Neal asked.
"Yeah, not at all," McClung responded. "No, definitely appreciate that. I feel like you kinda "serioused" it up for me, you know what I mean? It was just like a kind of focus thing."
Shaquille O'Neal added that he's been a supporter of Mac McClung since he was a high school player for Gate City in Virginia. McClung even confirmed that he has been receiving direct messages from O'Neal since he was a teenager.
"You know these people on Twitter, they tried to come at me," O'Neal said. "'Shaq disrespecting Mac.' I've been texting this kid in his DMs since he was in high school. Ask him."
"Shaq's showing love since high school, man," McClung confirmed. "I really appreciate it."
"I know a dog when I see a dog," O'Neal added. "Mac McClung is a dog."
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Shaquille O'Neal thinks Mac McClung saved Slam Dunk Contest
Mac McClung produced an almost-perfect performance to win the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest. McClung outlasted Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans in the final, while Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks and Kenyon Martin Jr. of the Houston Rockets were out in the first round.
The Slam Dunk Contest has been underwhelming over the last few seasons, so there were no expectations for this year's edition. However, McClung came in and put on a show for everyone.
After the Slam Dunk Contest, the Philadelphia 76ers crew caught up with Shaquille O'Neal and asked him about McClung's night. O'Neal thought that McClung, who signed with the Sixers before the All-Star Weekend, saved the dunk contest.
“He saved the dunk contest.” - @SHAQ https://t.co/caoAOChL5j
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