“Is it really a 540?,” Evan Fournier brutally takes on Mac McClung’s impressive “540” dunk in the Slam Dunk Contest

Mac McClung stole the show during the 2023 dunk contest but Evan Fournier was not convinced. McClung capped off his performance with a sublime dunk that was regarded as a 540 dunk. However, New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier felt it was just a regular 360. Evan Fournier took to Twitter to say, “I hate to be that guy but is it a 540 tho? It Impressive dunk regardless but looks more of a 360 to me.”

Looking back at the footage, fans were split as to who was right. On one hand, Mac McLung jumps and dunks at the same angle which shows it was a 360. However, as one Twitter user pointed out, his follow-through is what made it a 540. Skating legend Tony Hawk chimed in on the situation and replied to Evan Fournier’s tweet with, “On behalf of the vertical skateboarding community, it is a verified 540.”

Mac McClung probably does not even care about this debate as he is sitting pretty with the trophy. Mac was said to have saved the dunk contest which had hit a dry spell ever since 2016. The 2022 dunk contest was regarded as one of the most boring ever with average dunks and no inventiveness. McClung has most certainly raised the bar in 2023. Even if Evan Fournier doesn’t think it’s a 540, the entire world believes it is and that’s all that matters.

Also Read: WATCH: Luka Doncic scoffs at Ja Morant’s reverse dunk during the 2023 All-Star game

Highs and lows throughout the history of the dunk contest

The NBA dunk contest seems like an incredible idea from the outside. Getting the most athletic people and allowing them to creatively slam the ball is pure entertainment. However, the dunk contest had had its fair share of studs and duds. The Dunk contest started in 1984 and took off in popularity once Michael Jordan got involved. Michael Jordan had a spectacular 50-point dunk in a tightly contested contest in 198 against Dominique Wilkins. That dunk was his last attempt and helped him defend his 1987 dunk contest title. MJ was clutch even during the all-star break.

The flip side of the contest has seen players go up for dunks and finish with a layup. Baron Davis famously attempted a blindfold dunk and missed the rim completely. Dunks that lack originality are expected at times but not dunking the ball at all is certainly embarrassing. The contest has seen players as short as 5’7 inches win the contest such as Spud Webb.

However, the princes of the dunk contest will always be Zach Lavine, Aaron Gordon, and Vince Carter. Vince Carter revolutionized the contest at the turn of the century with dunks that are even mentioned to this day. Gordon and Lavine have had an epic rivalry that saw Lavine win in 2015 and 2016. However, most fans argue Gordon was robbed in 2016 despite his spectacular performance. Mac McClung has certainly added his name to the list even if Evan Fournier thinks otherwise.

In case you missed it:

• Kyrie Irving puts in extra effort to cover up the Nike symbol on his shoes during the All-star game
• LeBron James issues playoff warning with “23 most important games of my career” comment

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