Keshad Johnson topped Carter Bryant in the final round of the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest featuring two Arizona alums on Saturday.
Johnson did just enough in the final round to secure the victory with an average of 48.7 after Bryant had a perfect 50 in his first attempt but had to settle for a 43 on his second attempt for an average of 46.5.
Johnson received a 49.6 after going between the legs in his first attempt in the final round.
KESHAD JOHNSON WITH A 49.6 ‼️pic.twitter.com/zkEyuJulsV
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 15, 2026
Bryant initially bested Johnson with a perfect 50 in his first attempt in the final round while also going between the legs via an alley-oop to himself.
CARTER BRYANT WHAT A DUNK. 🔥🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/CVKHItPZU7
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 15, 2026
Johnson then recorded a 47.8 in his second attempt in the final round.
Keshad Johnson 3rd🔥 pic.twitter.com/8RN6WgJo5S
— Heat Clips 🎬 (@MiamiClip) February 15, 2026
But Bryant struggled getting his second attempt off in time after a series of misses and had to settle for a 43.0.
CARTER BRYANT FALLÓ SU VOLCADA FINAL…
OPTÓ POR UNA DE EMERGENCIA Y PERDIÓ EL TÍTULO 😳 pic.twitter.com/ARZjuKaEQA
— ESPN.com.mx (@ESPNmx) February 15, 2026
How did Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson advance to the final round?
Bryant received a 45.6 for his first dunk, a 360° windmill slam.
Carter kicking things off! 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/wadv0C8gNj
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 15, 2026
Johnson, the Oakland-native, notched a 47.4 from the judges after his first attempt by jumping over fellow Bay Area native E-40.
Keshad Johnson over E-40 at @ATT Slam Dunk 😳
Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/zGQfU8kDdR
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
With his second first-round dunk, Bryant put down another powerful windmill and was awarded a 49.2 to move on to the finals with an average of 47.4.
CARTER BRYANT WITH A 49.2.
Highest score of Round 1 🔥 he’s onto the final round on @ATT Slam Dunk! pic.twitter.com/dGlQfHqr5a
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
Johnson’s second attempt, a reversal which got him a 45.4, moved him into a matchup with Bryant for the title after averaging 46.4.
Keshad Johnson’s second dunk 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eZmXsl5PwF
— Heat Clips 🎬 (@MiamiClip) February 15, 2026
Who competed in the 2026 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest?
Bryant and Johnson competed in a field that included Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers) and Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic). Jase is the son of two-time slam dunk champion Jason Richardson (2002, 2003). Mac McClung, who was the champion the past three years, did not compete in the competition this year.
The quartet were judged for each dunk on a score ranging from 40 to 50 by Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Dwight Howard, three-time champion Nate Robinson, 1996 winner Brent Barry and Corey Maggette.
Each player received two dunks in the first round, with the two dunkers with the highest average score advancing to the finals. The two finalists also received two dunks in the final round, with the highest average score being crowned champion.
Bryant, the No. 14 overall pick in last year’s draft following his freshman season at Arizona, is averaging 3.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 9.3 minutes per game for the San Antonio Spurs.
Following one season at Arizona, Johnson went undrafted in 2024 and later signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. Johnson has appeared in 21 games for the Heat this season and is averaging 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.1 assists in 7.6 minutes per game.