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Heat Forward Keshad Johnson Wins 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
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Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson took home the crown in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday. He defeated Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round with a total score of 97.4 coming from a 49.6 on his first dunk in the final and a 47.8 on his last slam.
Johnson’s first dunk in the final round earned three 50 scores from the judges for a full score of 49.6 after he went between the legs and underneath the backboard for his best slam in the final.
Keshad Johnson from UNDERNEATH THE BACKBOARD 😮
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
Tap to watch the Final Round of @ATT Slam Dunk: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/6mgM297GPP
Bryant followed Johnson’s impressive slam with one of the best dunks of the night and earned 50s across the board. He tossed the ball to himself and went between the legs on the way up to take the lead over Johnson.
CARTER BRYANT WITH A 50 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
He needs a 47.5 on his final attempt to win @ATT Slam Dunk!
Tap to watch: https://t.co/Cc3TznvNLr pic.twitter.com/YMeqAi2whh
Johnson took off from just inside the free throw line for his final dunk of the contest, earning a 47.8, meaning Bryant needed at least a 47.5 on his final dunk to win. Bryant couldn’t throw down his final attempt, putting down a last-second dunk to get on the board with a 43, which ultimately gave the second-year Heat forward the win.
RUNNING WINDMILL JAM FOR THE WIN!
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
Keshad Johnson is your 2026 @ATT Slam Dunk Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jAhyHzesvr
In the opening round, Johnson jumped over rapper E-40 and dunked with one hand behind his head. That slam earned Johnson a 47.4 to take the early lead, later advancing to the final on a reverse dunk.
Keshad Johnson over E-40 at @ATT Slam Dunk 😳
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/zGQfU8kDdR
Who is NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Keshad Johnson?
Johnson is in his second year with the Heat after Miami signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NBA draft. He’s appeared in 21 games this season, averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game.
He started his college career at San Diego State and transferred to Arizona for a fifth season, averaging 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Wildcats before his professional career. He signed a two-way contract with the Heat after going undrafted, which was converted to a rest-of-season deal during his rookie season with a club option for this year that Miami picked up.
Johnson dominated in the G League last season with Miami’s affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce, scoring 17.6 points with 8.6 rebounds per game. He’s made four appearances for the Skyforce this year, including a 29-point game against the Oklahoma City Blue on Monday.
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Blake Silverman is a writer at Sports Illustrated, primarily covering the NBA and WNBA. Before joining SI in November 2024 as a breaking/trending news writer, he covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball for numerous sites, including Winsidr, SB Nation and A10Talk. He’s an alum of both Michigan State and St. Bonaventure University, receiving a master’s degree from the Bonnies’ sports journalism program. Outside of work, he’s a husband, father, yogi and fairly mediocre tennis player who’s open to any tips on how to play defense in EA Sports College Football.