Mac McClung could write his name in history tonight at the AT&T Slam Dunk competition (8 PM ET, TNT).
Prepare for an athletic journey.
5 EXCITING EVENTS IN TODAY’S ALL-STAR PACKAGE 🏀
February 15, 2025
AT&T Slam Dunk: History awaits in tonight’s highest-flying showcase.
Starry 3-Point Contest: Damian Lillard looks to defend his three-peat title.
Kia Skills Challenge: Four dynamic duos ready to compete in a skills relay.
Castrol Rising Stars: Stephon Castle earns MVP and a spot in the All-Star Game.
Ruffles Celebrity Game: Actor Rome Flynn shines, while Druski and Kai Cenat deliver.
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Welcome to one of the biggest nights in sports…
On Friday, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 2025 Finalists, including Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.
Earlier in the day, Adam Silver and the Golden State Warriors introduced Physical AI at the 2025 NBA All-Star Technology Summit.
Tonight, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night kicks off at 8 PM ET on TNT, featuring iconic events like the Kia Skills Challenge, the Starry 3-Point Contest, and the AT&T Slam Dunk.
But First, Shaq’s OGs, Kenny’s Young Stars, and Chuck’s Global Stars practice and host All-Star Media Day at 2 PM ET on NBA TV… followed by the NBA HBCU Classic at 3 PM ET on NBA TV.
On Sunday, a reimagined NBA All-Star Game features four teams competing in a three-game mini-tournament at 8 PM ET on TNT.
1. AT&T SLAM DUNK: COULD HISTORY BE MADE?
From Michael Jordan’s legendary tomahawk to Hakeem Olajuwon’s honey dip, the AT&T Slam Dunk has seen it all since 1984.
Yet, no one has pulled off a three-peat in the event.
Tonight, Mac McClung aims to change that (8 PM ET, TNT).
- 2023 All-Star: McClung, a G-Leag superstar, became the first player to win by scoring three perfect 50-point maneuvers in his four attempts
- 2024 Victory: He successfully defended his title, earning the distinction of being only the seventh player to win the competition twice
- 2025 Hero: McClung remains focused on achieving his ultimate goal with this year’s competition
“I feel like this is the best I’ve got,” McClung reflected on his bid for history. “Third year, you got to bring it.”
He’s not the only competitor ready to rival the rim. Meet Stephon Castle, who boasts remarkable strength and agility, and Matas Buzelis, known for his unique set of dunks. Andre Jackson Jr., a UConn and NBA Cup champion, joins the fray, eager to display his skills.
Castle has already shown his potential with impressive personal dunks, while Buzelis, having drafted with high expectations, is ready to showcase his own set.
Will McClung secure his place in history, or will his rivals rise to the challenge?
2. STARLY 3-POINT CONTEST: CAN LILLARD CONSECUTIVELY DEFEND HIS CROWN?
Damian Lillard, a native of Oakland, Calif., aims to become the first player to win the Starry 3-Point Contest three years in a row (8 PM ET, TNT).
Prior to Lillard, the last players to achieve back-to-back wins were Jason Kapono in 2007 and 2008, with only Craig Hodges (1990-92) and Larry Bird (1986-88) accomplishing the three-peat.
This title would solidify Lillard’s reputation as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, just a few miles from his hometown.
- High Production: Darius Garland and Norman Powell are the only players with over 150 three-pointers made, shooting better than 42% from beyond the arc this season
- Elite Scoring: Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham are two of the league’s top scorers, each putting up 1,250+ points with over 110 threes
- Shooting Star: Tyler Herro is fourth in three-pointers made (189) while leading the Miami Heat
- Team Leader: Cam Johnson tops the Brooklyn Nets in three-pointers made (121) and shooting percentage (41.3% with at least 10 games played)
- Timeless Greats: Lillard and Buddy Hield rank among the top 20 all-time 3-point shooters
3. KIA SKILLS CHALLENGE: FOUR GREAT DUOS, ONE VICTORY
Kicking off State Farm All-Star Saturday Night is the Kia Skills Challenge (8 PM ET, TNT), featuring four teams in a skill relay and passing competition.
Hosted by the Warrior duo of Draymond Green and Moses Moody, the competition highlights include:
Team Warriors: Known for their excellent chemistry, the duo ranks second among Warrior duos in overall offensive rating (124.2, minimum five games played).
Team Cavs: Featuring All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, Cleveland’s premier pairing leads the team in scoring with a plus-minus of +364.
Team Spurs: Chris Paul, with 12,316 assists, teams up with Victor Wembanyama, a rising star expected to average above 24 points, 3 threes, and 3 blocks per game.
Team Rooks: Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, the first and second picks of the 2024 NBA Draft, present a promising connection on both ends of the floor.
Only one team will claim the victory. Who will it be?
4. CASTROL RISING STARS: CASTLE LEADS TO ALL-STAR GAME
The Castrol Rising Stars tournament not only showcases young talent but also determines Sunday’s All-Star Game participants.
Chris Mullin’s Team C emerged victorious after overcoming Team M and Team G League in the semifinals and championship.
Semifinal Results:
- Team C 40, Team M 34: Keyonte George and Dalton Knecht led with key performances
- Team G League 40, Team M 39: Bryce McGowens contributed a crucial three-point shot to secure victory
Championship: Team C sealed the deal with a decisive closing run, with George sinking a game-winning triple.
Stephon Castle, with a standout performance, captured the MVP award, gaining an invitation to the All-Star Game.
- Castle’s Impact: His 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists secured MVP honors
- George’s Call: George predicted the game-winning shot with Trey Murphy, demonstrating confidence
- Next Moves: Team C faces LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Shaq’s OGs in Sunday’s semifinals
5. RUFFLES CELEBRITY GAME: ROME FLYNN CELEBRATES MVP, DRUSKI & KAI ENGAGE IN A SHOWDOWN
Rome Flynn, an actor and musician, flourished as a player, earning MVP honors with a dynamic performance in the Ruffles Celebrity Game.
Team Bond’s 66-55 Victory: Flynn’s 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists led Barry Bonds’s squad past Jerry Rice’s in Oakland.
Across the board, Flynn’s basket skills, ball-handling, and court vision were on full display, making him a standout star.