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Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson defeated San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round of the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday in Inglewood, California.
Johnson totaled 97.4 points from the judges in the final round to claim his first Julius Erving Trophy, becoming the third Heat player to win (Harold Miner, Derrick Jones Jr.). Bryant finished with 93 points after having to scrap his second dunk for an easier attempt that earned a 43.
The two finalists advanced from the first round, topping Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson (88.8 points) and Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (91.8 points). Despite falling in the final, Bryant was the only contestant to register a perfect score of 50 on any attempt.
Johnson brought out legendary rapper and fellow Oakland native E-40 to assist him in his first dunk attempt at the Intuit Dome. He positioned the platinum-selling artist in the paint, and with a running start, leaped over him for a one-handed slam that earned a score of 47.4.
The 24-year-old, in his second season with the Heat after going undrafted out of Arizona last year, registered his highest score on his first attempt in the final after going between his legs under the basket, earning a 49.6. He previously attempted it in the first round, to no avail.
The evening also saw Richardson take the court as "J-Rich Reignited" as a tribute to his father, former 13-year veteran Jason Richardson, who won in 2002 and 2003. His best score was a 45.4, while Hayes earned his highest with a 47.2.
Here is every dunk from Saturday:
Score: 45.6
Score: 45.4
Score: 47.4
Score: 44.6
Score: 47.2
Score: 43.4
Score: 45.4
Score: 49.2
Score: 49.6
Score: 50
Score: 47.8
Score: 43
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Keshad Johnson beats Carter Bryant for title
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Johnson totaled 97.4 points from the judges in the final round to claim his first Julius Erving Trophy, becoming the third Heat player to win (Harold Miner, Derrick Jones Jr.). Bryant finished with 93 points after having to scrap his second dunk for an easier attempt that earned a 43.
The two finalists advanced from the first round, topping Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson (88.8 points) and Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (91.8 points). Despite falling in the final, Bryant was the only contestant to register a perfect score of 50 on any attempt.
Johnson brought out legendary rapper and fellow Oakland native E-40 to assist him in his first dunk attempt at the Intuit Dome. He positioned the platinum-selling artist in the paint, and with a running start, leaped over him for a one-handed slam that earned a score of 47.4.
The 24-year-old, in his second season with the Heat after going undrafted out of Arizona last year, registered his highest score on his first attempt in the final after going between his legs under the basket, earning a 49.6. He previously attempted it in the first round, to no avail.
The evening also saw Richardson take the court as "J-Rich Reignited" as a tribute to his father, former 13-year veteran Jason Richardson, who won in 2002 and 2003. His best score was a 45.4, while Hayes earned his highest with a 47.2.
Here is every dunk from Saturday:
First Round - 1st Dunk: Carter Bryant
Score: 45.6
First Round - 1st Dunk: Jase Richardson
Score: 45.4
First Round - 1st Dunk: Keshad Johnson
Score: 47.4
First Round - 1st Dunk: Jaxson Hayes
Score: 44.6
First Round - 2nd Dunk: Jaxson Hayes
Score: 47.2
First Round - 2nd Dunk: Jase Richardson
Score: 43.4
First Round - 2nd Dunk: Keshad Johnson
Score: 45.4
First Round - 2nd Dunk: Carter Bryant
Score: 49.2
Final Round - 1st Dunk: Keshad Johnson
Score: 49.6
Final Round - 1st Dunk: Carter Bryant
Score: 50
Final Round - 2nd Dunk: Keshad Johnson
Score: 47.8
Final Round - 2nd Dunk: Carter Bryant
Score: 43
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Keshad Johnson beats Carter Bryant for title
Continue reading...
