2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Highlights
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest brought the excitement to a close on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on February 14. This thrilling event featured four standout competitors: Keshad Johnson from the Miami Heat, Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Carter Bryant representing the San Antonio Spurs, and Jase Richardson, a guard for the Orlando Magic. Ultimately, it was Keshad Johnson, a talented forward and Oakland native, who took home the championship title.
Keshad Johnson’s Winning Performance
Johnson showcased his Bay Area pride throughout the night, integrating an infectious dance routine into his performances. After winning, he passionately thanked his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, expressing his gratitude and encouraging young fans to nurture their dreams and aspirations with ‘crazy faith.’
“Keep dreaming. Have crazy faith. Anything can happen,” Johnson declared after his win.
During the contest, he displayed an impressive range of dunks, combining athleticism with flair and a deeper connection to his California roots.
“I just came out here and showed the people who Showtime was,”
he stated. Johnson’s energy, along with his tribute to the cultural aspects of his upbringing, resonated warmly with the crowd as he brought out local hip-hop legend E-40 to join in his celebratory moments.
Competition Overview
The night kicked off with Carter Bryant opening the first round amid the nostalgic beats of “Still Dre”. He executed a 360-degree windmill dunk that earned him a solid score of 45.6. Following him, Jase Richardson—son of former dunk champion Jason Richardson—did a self-toss, double-pump reverse that netted a score of 45.4.
Keshad Johnson took flight with his own homage to the Bay, showcasing an impressive rock-the-cradle dunk over E-40 which gave him a score of 47.4. Jaxson Hayes, despite a shaky start, rebounded with a commendable self-toss followed by an East Bay funk dunk to total 47.2.
The competition heated up through each round, with highlights including Bryant’s near-rim graze dunk worth 49.2 points and Johnson’s 45.4 score for a reverse cradle slam, advancing both to the final round.
Final Round Showdown
In a dramatic climax, Keshad Johnson opened by scoring 49.6 with a self-toss between-the-legs dunk. Carter Bryant matched that intensity, clocking a perfect score of 50 for his own dunk. In a chaotic final minute for Bryant, multiple missed attempts cost him the victory, leaving Johnson with the title after a final score of 47.8 for his windmill dunk from near the free-throw line.
Conclusion
This year’s dunk contest highlighted the dynamism of the current NBA talent while honoring the rich history of high-flying moments that have defined the event over the years, culminating in an unforgettable evening for both participants and fans alike.
For a recap of all the dunks and scores from the competition, including the most riveting moments from this unforgettable contest, check out our highlight reel.
