The Pulse: Did Mac McClung save the dunk contest? Plus, bold NFL ...

19 Feb 2023

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Good morning! Could you score at least a 45 in the NBA Dunk Contest?

Entertainment FactorDid a G-Leaguer save the dunk contest?

Mac McClung, who wasn’t even in the NBA this time last week, leapt away with last night’s dunk contest. He was nearly perfect across four efforts, all executed on the first try. It made for electrifying TV at the end of an otherwise iffy night. 

So, it must be asked: Is the dunk contest back? (Steph Curry thinks so.) Could we see some bigger names back in it next year?

Alternatively, it feels entirely possible that the prospect of getting shown up by a fringe NBA player — McClung said he’ll return next year if the league will have him — might scare off the players we really want to see. I mean … just look at his final dunk:

Some other thoughts on the night:

The skills challenge was kind of a bust. Giannis’ major dad energy on the sidelines was a highlight. Jordan Clarkson, you OK? Three-point contest: Condolences to Julius Randle’s son, who appeared to be very unhappy with his father’s outing (he was a last-minute sub, cut him some slack!). But it felt right that Dame finally got a W on his third try (he’s now retired from the contest, he said.) Cringe: Jericho Sims’ dunk. This was close to being clever, but the execution was not quite there.

The main event is tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Remember: The teams are being drafted shortly before tipoff, and … the reserves are getting picked first? OK, then.

Pulse Crystal BallNFL offseason predictions SZN

It’s been all of seven days since the Super Bowl, so naturally it’s time to start talking about the NFL again. Mike Jones has some offseason predictions that range from mild to Carolina Reaper on the Scoville Scale of spicy takes. Here’s a sampling platter:

Aaron Rodgers to the … Packers: Somehow this is both a 3 and a 9 on the hot take scale. Rodgers spending four days on a darkness retreat to return to the only team he’s ever known would be the biggest offseason domino to fall. Derek Carr goes Broadway: After he visits with the Jets this weekend, New York lands Vegas’ ex with an allure of young weapons and a stout defense. The Texans trade up to No. 1: Remember Lovie Smith’s game-winning 2-point conversion as an exit present to Houston? It’ll cost the Texans as Chicago trades back one spot in this prediction and Houston snags Bryce Young. And the Colts trade up to No. 2: Jones’ crystal ball says the Bears aren’t done dealing, as the QB-needy Colts trade up and send Chicago even more draft equity. Indy gifts new coach Shane Steichen a young, athletic C.J. Stroud to design an offense around. Fresh StartsYour XFL primer

The reboot of the reboot finally arrived yesterday for the XFL, and now it’s Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson’s turn to run it. The league may not be a formal developmental league for the NFL, but it does have a formal relationship to serve as an experimental petri dish of sorts. A few quirks you’ll see in games:

Coaching challenges: Coaches can challenge any officiating call on any play once per game. Tiered extra points: Following a touchdown, an extra point from the 2-yard line is worth one point, two points from the 5-yard line and three points from the 10-yard line. Broadcast gambling odds: The league’s heavily promoted gambling angle will feature live over/unders and betting lines included in the score box on TV.

In addition to the unique rules, league rosters feature a slew of names that make you go, “Oh, that guy!” Some notables:

Brett Hundley was once labeled a potential Aaron Rodgers successor in Green Bay and is now quarterbacking the Vegas Vipers. Vic Beasley was an All-Pro after leading the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2016. He’s looking to resurrect his career with the Vipers as well. A.J. McCarron went from Alabama legend to NFL clipboard carrier for five teams. He’ll be starring for the St. Louis BattleHawks. Josh Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards 10 years, six teams and two football leagues ago. Now in his third league, he’s on the Seattle Sea Dragons. Paxton Lynch is a name that may make Broncos fans shudder. The 2016 first-round pick got four starts in two years and will now play for the Orlando Guardians.

For everything else you need to know, read here.

Briefs

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today

Tiger looks … sharp!

Tiger Woods had a promising third day at the Genesis Invitational, and could even play himself into a top-10 finish today. Woods birdied three shots, added an eagle and shot 4-under 67 yesterday. A stat to melt your brain: The score marked his lowest in any PGA Tour round in 848 days. Woods’ eagle at No. 1 was his sixth career eagle on the hole, the most on any hole in his career. He starts Round 4 at 11:16 a.m. ET today.

Mercury reload

Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, as expected, are re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury. Notably, the 40-year-old Taurasi’s 19th season will be the first of a new multiyear deal. What does that tell us? The Mercury plan to compete for championships until the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer retires, Ben Pickman writes.

Bieniemy on the move

The Commanders have hired Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, Ben Standig reports. Bieniemy’s title with Washington would be assistant head coach/OC, and he’s expected to sign a multiyear deal with Washington. Bieniemy has been with the Chiefs since 2013, first as running backs coach and then, beginning in 2018, as OC. Standig explains why the move isn’t just a lateral one and gives Bieniemy a chance to get out from Andy Reid’s shadow.

Pulse Picks

Alabama, Houston, Kansas and Purdue were ranked as No. 1 seeds Saturday by the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee in its top 16 preview.

Warriors hype man Franco Finn was tabbed to emcee Friday and Saturday festivities at All-Star Weekend. Here’s why his booming voice matters.

What the Bally Sports saga means for NBA, NHL and MLB broadcasts.

The USWNT plays Japan at 3:30 p.m. ET today in its second game at the SheBelieves Cup. Catch up on the latest around Crystal Dunn’s position change before it.

After signing a record-setting deal, Mets closer Edwin Díaz is one of the few baseball players without aspirations to change anything this season.

David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson broke down Marvin Gaye’s iconic NBA All-Star Game national anthem: ‘He turned that thing into his own’

Kevin Love completed a buyout with the Cavaliers yesterday and the Heat are favorites to land him. Cleveland said his jersey will hang in its rafters someday.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said there is “medical data” to support the current practice of load management and disagreed with the notion that too many players — especially stars — are sitting out of games without injury.

Alex Bowman will start on the pole for the 65th running of the Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET today) alongside Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson on the front row. Follow our live updates here.

(Top photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)

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