Heat forward Keshad Johnson wins 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk
Keshad Johnson claimed the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk title Saturday, Feb. 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, closing a night of highlight-reel attempts with steady execution when it mattered most. The four-player field brought creativity and risk, but it was Johnson’s consistency in the final round that secured the trophy and a major spotlight for the Miami Heat forward.
Final-round drama: perfect 50, but not enough
The championship came down to Johnson and San Antonio’s Carter Bryant. Bryant opened the final with a between-the-legs dunk that earned a rare perfect 50 from the judges, putting immediate pressure on Johnson. Bryant then attempted a high-difficulty reverse slam off his own backboard pass on his follow-up try but could not complete the sequence, settling for a lower mark that left the door open.
Johnson answered with a pair of polished dunks. One came from underneath the rim and showcased his body control and creativity; another was a running windmill that provided the finishers’ flourish needed to edge out Bryant. Judges valued Johnson’s cleanliness and repeatability in the clutch, and his performance earned him the nod in a tight final. The win capped an evening in which raw athleticism met calculated execution.
Event highlights, scares and standout moments
The dunk contest field opened with contributions from Jaxson Hayes and Jase Richardson, each bringing distinct styles. Hayes, the most established name among the four, exited early. Richardson survived a frightening second-round fall that saw him hit his head on the court after a missed attempt; he recovered sufficiently to attempt a third try but was ultimately eliminated.
Carter Bryant’s first-round work included a pair of high-flying attempts — a 360 and a windmill — that impressed the judges and carried him into the final with momentum. Bryant, the No. 14 pick from last year’s draft, has shown flashes of high-flying potential throughout his rookie season.
The judging panel featured several former dunk champions and notable veterans, and scores ranged from clinical 47s to the perfect 50 that stood as the night’s single flawless mark. The contest was the final event of All-Star Saturday Night, which began at 5 p. m. ET, and it drew a crowd eager to watch young athletes try to carve out their own moments on a big stage.
What the victory means for Johnson
For an undrafted player who was recalled from the G-League this season, the title is both a career highlight and a visibility boost. Johnson has appeared in 21 games for the Heat this season and has become known for his explosive pregame warmups — a routine that earned him the nickname "Showtime" among teammates and fans.
Winning the dunk contest binds Johnson’s name to a list of franchise champions and provides an immediate marketing and media lift that can translate into opportunities on and off the court. For keshad johnson personally, the crown is confirmation that his athletic flair can translate into memorable moments on national stages, and it could help him seize a larger role with Miami moving forward.
The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest delivered both spectacle and storyline: a perfect score that ultimately proved insufficient, a comeback by a steady performer, and the rising profile of a young player who turned a single night into a defining moment.
