David Murrell, Paul Lee rule slam dunk, three-point contests as 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend commences

David Murrell was hailed the new Slam Dunk champion after ruling the much-awaited event in the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend on Friday at the City of Passi Arena in Passi, Iloilo.

The Converge FiberXers representative scored 92 to edge out Tyrus Hill of Blackwater, who was behind by just a point with 91. Murrell notched a couple of 46 points in the final round to beat Hill who had 41 and 50.

Jamie Malonzo and Encho Serrano of GInebra and Phoenix Super LPG did not participate while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Chris Lalata didn't qualify to the final round. Murrell succeeded former two-time slam dunk king Rey Gueverra, who ruled the 2018 and 2019 editions.

Meanwhile, veteran guard Paul Lee of Magnolia dominated the three-point shootout contest after tallying 28 points in the final round, beating Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel (21) and Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma (18).

Lee became the latest Hotshot to cop the three-point title in the last four editions after Allein Maliksi in 2017 and PJ Simon in 2019.

TNT big man Dave Marcelo also starred in the opening day of the All-Star Weekend, collecting 25.38 points to rule the Obstacle Challenge to boot out defending champion Beau Belga of Rain or Shine who had 29.80 to settle for second. Ginebra's Christian Standhardinger finished third with 27.47.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News