Keshad Johnson soars to victory in 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk contest
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk contest at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2026 (ET), outpointing San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant in the final after a display of consistent, high-energy attempts. Johnson’s steady two-dunk finish trumped Bryant’s one perfect 50 earlier in the night and handed the undrafted forward a trophy and a burst of national attention.
Consistency trumps a single showstopper
The final came down to Johnson and Bryant after the first two rounds eliminated Jaxson Hayes and Orlando’s Jase Richardson. Bryant’s second-round performance included the contest’s lone perfect 50 — a high toss and a between-the-legs finish that drew the judges’ top marks. But Bryant could not replicate that magic in the final, posting a 43 that left the door open.
Johnson answered with two technically sound and crowd-pleasing slams. He opened the final with a between-the-legs finish off a lob and closed his run with a one-handed flush from inside the free-throw line. Judges rewarded the combination of execution and showmanship, and Johnson’s pair of solid marks proved enough to secure the victory.
Known around the Heat as "Showtime" for his routine of punctuating pregame warmups with dunks, Johnson leaned into performance throughout the night — dancing on the court before and after attempts and bringing a visible swagger to his work. The win provides not just a trophy but elevated profile for a player who has fought for minutes and recognition.
From undrafted to dunk champion — what this means for Johnson
Johnson’s path to the winner’s circle has been unconventional. Undrafted in 2024, he worked his way onto a roster a two-way arrangement and was recently recalled from the G League. This season he has appeared in 21 games for the Heat, and the dunk contest victory delivers a moment that can boost his visibility and marketability.
After the win Johnson described the setting as familiar and energizing, saying the West Coast crowd gave him a feeling of being at home and that he was able to perform within that dreamlike space. The trophy now links his name with past dunk champions and gives him a highlight that will be replayed alongside career milestones as he continues to carve out a role in the league.
Contest snapshot and notable moments
The four-player field featured rookies and established role players: Bryant, a 6-foot-6 forward taken 14th overall in the 2025 draft; Richardson, the 6-foot-1 guard selected 25th overall and the son of a two-time contest champion; Jaxson Hayes, the most experienced NBA player in the group; and Johnson, the Heat’s athletic wing.
Richardson survived a frightening fall in the second round, striking his head on the court after a missed attempt but ultimately completing a follow-up dunk before being eliminated. Hayes was an early exit as well, leaving the final two to Johnson and Bryant. The event closed All-Star Saturday night at the Intuit Dome and will likely be remembered for Johnson’s composed consistency and Bryant’s lone perfect run.
For Johnson, the victory is immediate validation and a platform: a moment in the spotlight that could translate to more attention from coaches, teammates and fans as he continues to chase a longer-term NBA role.
