Huerter falls short in 3-Point Contest, McClung Shines in Dunk Contest

Kevin Huerter’s All-Star Saturday didn’t unfold as he had hoped, as the Sacramento Kings guard struggled from beyond the arc during the 3-Point Contest at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.

Needing 20 points to make it into the second round alongside former Kings guards Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, Huerter was only able to knock convert eight points–the lowest of all participants–as Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard took the final spot in the championship round.

Lillard–who was sporting a Weber State jersey, his alma mater in nearby Ogden, Utah–delivered an exciting finish as the seven-time All-Star racked up 26 points during the final round to knock off Haliburton and Hield to secure his first 3-Point crown.

It was a disappointing outcome for Huerter, who had hoped for a bid to the three-point showcase before ultimately falling short, but the 24-year-old is already looking forward to another go-around down the line.

Not what we envisioned, that’s life tho. Incredible experience! I’ll be back.

— Kevin Huerter (@KevinHuerter) February 19, 2023

Kevin Huerter puts a competition-low 8 points in the 3PT Shootout: pic.twitter.com/uDZa4p2j2J

— Chris Watkins (@ChrisMWatkins) February 19, 2023

While Huerter’s rough night was a downer for some Kings fans that might have been tuned in to All-Star Saturday, Philadelphia 76ers guard Mac McClung delivered one of the most impressive Slam Dunk Contest performances in recent memory.

On the heels of 2022’s horrific Slam Dunk Contest, this year’s edition needed to be a hit, and thanks to McClung, the re-watch value on tonight’s dunking exhibition will be off the charts.

McClung, who has spent most of his two-year career in the G-League and recently inked a two-way contract with the 76ers, completely stunned a packed house that included the likes of NBA All-Stars, legends, and celebrities. The 24-year-old finished the night having received a perfect score of 50 on three of his four dunk attempts without re-doing a single try.

The high-flyer was able to beat out New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III by converting 720 jam on his final attempt of the night.

Impressive is an understatement. At a time when the NBA really needed a Dunk Contest to deliver, McClung came through in a big way.

"IT IS OVER LADIES AND GENTLEMAN" 🗣#ATTSlamDunk pic.twitter.com/WP098H7fav

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2023

Now, all eyes will turn to Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game as Kings guard De’Aaron Fox will make his All-Star debut alongside Domantas Sabonis, who will be playing in his third mid-season showcase.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule

Sunday, February 19th — NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Thursday, February 23rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 7:00 PM PST

Friday, February 24th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PST

Sunday, February 26th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 4:00 PM PST

Tuesday, February 28th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5:00 PM PST

Friday, March 3rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PST

Thank you for reading sactownsports.com. Follow us on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Frankie Cartoscelli is the Kings’ beat reporter for sactownsports.com. Follow Frankie on Twitter.”

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