Coach Dylan Murphy has turned around the Osceola Magic's G League season, leading them to the top seed in the playoffs after a rocky start. The team, which finished 5-11 in the G League Tip-Off Tournament, bounced back to end the regular season with a 22-12 record, thanks to a strong March where they went 11-3. Murphy's leadership has earned him the G League Coach of the Month award for March, a testament to the players' performance and resilience.

Among the standout players, Mac McClung emerged as an offensive powerhouse, averaging 32.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in March. His career-high 46 points in a single game solidified his impact on the court, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. Osceola has also seen other players like Colin Castleton make headlines, with his brief stint with the Toronto Raptors. The Magic now gear up for their playoff matchup against the Indiana Mad Ants.

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to extend their impressive three-game winning streak against the Milwaukee Bucks, they face a significant hurdle with the absence of star player Luka Doncic. A right ankle sprain has sidelined Doncic, who had previously showcased his scoring prowess with a stellar 31-point performance against the Denver Nuggets. Despite returning from injuries, Lakers' roster remains somewhat depleted, relying heavily on the rest of their lineup, including LeBron James, who is pivotal for their success.

Doncic's absence will not only impact the Lakers’ offensive strategy but also affects his fantasy owners who have been banking on his contributions. The Lakers, while slowly recuperating, will need to find ways to fill the scoring gap left by Doncic, especially against a formidable Bucks team.

Mac McClung has successfully defended his title, winning the dunk contest for the third consecutive year, showcasing his incredible athleticism with impressive dunks. Meanwhile, San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle had a strong showing during All-Star Weekend, finishing as the runner-up in the dunk contest after also earning the Rising Stars MVP.

Castle's performance has drawn praise from peers like Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama, who have noted his aggressive playstyle and maturity on the court. The Spurs are currently working to integrate De'Aaron Fox into their lineup, which means Castle will need to continue developing his skills to maintain his role.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend concluded with an electrifying Slam Dunk Contest, where Mac McClung made history by clinching his third consecutive title, an unprecedented achievement. The 6’2 guard dazzled the audience with incredible dunks, including a jaw-dropping leap over a Kia and a 7-foot participant, marking his dominance in the competition.

Post-event discussions ignited excitement as Ja Morant hinted at potentially joining next year’s contest, expressing admiration for McClung’s talent. Known for his explosive dunks, Morant’s participation could elevate the competition further. Giannis Antetokounmpo also joined the conversation, teasing a possible entry, which drew mixed reactions from fellow players like Anthony Edwards, who emphasized that Giannis excels more in-game than in the contest.

Orlando Magic welcomed Ethan Thompson, a guard from the Osceola Magic, who signed a two-way deal on February 7, filling the Magic's last roster position. Overjoyed, Thompson expressed gratitude for the opportunity, having played previously in the G League with the Windy City Bulls and the Mexico City Capitanes.

Thompson's journey to the NBA included being undrafted in 2021 and later receiving a financial incentive for his commitment to the Osceola team. After a standout performance logging a double-double against Raptors 905, Thompson's hard work paid off as he secured a two-year deal. His teammates, including Mac McClung and Cory Joseph, celebrated his success, highlighting the positive culture within the Magic organization.