In the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Jaylen Brown loses against Mac McClung on the last dunk.

In the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Jaylen Brown loses against Mac McClung on the last dunk.

Superstar Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics lost the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Brown attended the game as the first All-Star since 2017 and the first Celtic since Gerald Green in 2007.

By combining his athleticism with references to basketball history, Brown defeated Mac McClung, the reigning G-League champion, to advance to the championship round. But Brown fell just short in a match that went down to the very last dunk. Though he finished the evening in second place, he eventually left empty-handed.

Let’s examine Jaylen Brown’s experience in the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in more detail.

First Dunk
Given that Brown was born in Georgia, he honored former Atlanta Hawk Dominique Wilkins with his first dunk. Not only is Wilkins a renowned player for the Hawks, but he also took home the championship in 1985 and 1990.

Brown got off to a great start in the first round with the thunderous smash. The players who scored the highest after the first two dunks went to the championship round, and Brown was seated somewhat early in this particular round.

Dunk #2
Brown’s second dunk had numerous moving parts. It was a complex slam, but an entertaining one.

Brown first presented Jayson Tatum, a teammate, who fed him a lob. Then he positioned YouTuber Kai Cenat in front of the rim in a chair. Brown also gave a hat nod to Slam Dunk Contest winner and former Celtic Dee Brown as he finished the dunk. An image of Boston’s parquet floor appeared on the LCD screen beneath the court as he completed the dunk.

It was a lot to follow and perhaps a touch ill-executed. However, it was sufficient for Brown to secure a shot at the championship round versus McClung, the current champion.

Third Dunk
In the last dunk round, Brown honored his late friend Terrence Clarke with his first dunk. A native of New England and Brown’s mentee, Clarke passed very tragically in 2021 at the age of 19. Regarding his previous relationship with Clarke, Brown has been transparent.

It was a lovely gesture to honor Clarke and an athletic slam. Judges gave it good ratings as well.