How Did Mac McClung Look in 76ers Debut vs. Atlanta Hawks?

For the first time since winning the NBA Dunk Contest, Philadelphia 76ers two-way guard Mac McClung suited up for the Sixers and made his debut with the team on Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

During McClung’s rookie season in 2021-2022, he appeared in just two NBA games. His first came with the Chicago Bulls, a matchup where he checked in for just three minutes. McClung’s second set of NBA action came with the Los Angeles Lakers. During that game, McClung played for a career-high 22 minutes.

Since that last matchup with the Lakers, McClung spent all of his time in the NBA G League. This year, McClung starred for the Sixers’ affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. On Thursday, McClung helped lead the Blue Coats to their first title win in team history.

Then on Friday, McClung had the opportunity to pick up minutes on an undermanned Sixers team. Without the starting five and the sixth man available, there were plenty of minutes to go around on Friday night. 

For McClung, he came off the bench and checked in for nearly eight minutes in the 76ers' win over the Hawks. After the game, Doc Rivers assessed McClung’s performance.

“He tried to do too much with the ball, and it’s probably nerves,” Rivers told reporters. “They played last night, but he’s got great athleticism, and he can shoot the ball, too. So that helps him.”

McClung would put up just three shots from the field on Friday night. He knocked down one of his attempts from the field and hit on two of his free throws, scoring five points. 

The young guard didn’t find the same success against the Hawks as he typically does at the G League level, but he should get another opportunity to settle in and prove he belongs.

As the Sixers approach the final game of the season on Sunday, McClung will more than likely pick up another shift in the Sixers’ rotation as key players will probably get the night off.