SUMMARY
- Keshad Johnson won the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest after a dramatic final round against Carter Bryant.
- Damian Lillard secured his third 3-point contest championship, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three time winners.
- Team Knicks, featuring Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, captured the Shooting Stars event.
MIAMI — The Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson captured the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest on Saturday night, overcoming San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant in a final round that showcased high flying athleticism and innovative dunks.
Earlier in the evening, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard claimed his third career 3-point contest title, defeating Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, as the NBA All Star Weekend festivities continued in Miami.
Johnson, a 6-foot-7 forward known for his wingspan and leaping ability, impressed the judges with a series of creative dunks, including a baseline reverse leap over a fellow player while positioning his left hand behind his head.
Bryant had opened the final with a between the legs dunk that received perfect scores from judges Dwight Howard and Dominique Wilkins, but he failed to complete his final planned dunk, leaving the path clear for Johnson to claim the title.
The 2026 NBA All Star Weekend kicked off with three marquee competitions: the 3-point contest, the dunk contest, and the shooting stars event.
Lillard returned to competition after continuing rehabilitation on a torn Achilles, delivering a first round score of 27 points and a final round 29-point performance to edge out Booker, who finished with 27 points.
Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel also advanced to the final but tallied 17 points. The NBA Dunk Contest has been a highlight of All-Star Weekend since 1984, serving as a platform for rising stars to display athleticism and creativity.
Johnson, who played at both Arizona and San Diego State, enters an elite group of winners whose performances often influence rookie recognition and endorsement opportunities.
Meanwhile, the 3-point contest, inaugurated in 1986, has evolved into a stage where sharpshooters like Lillard can cement their historical legacy.
Lillard’s victory makes him the first player since Craig Hodges in the early 1990s to win three 3-point contests, joining Larry Bird, whose legacy spans decades of NBA history.
Analysts note that Lillard’s ability to compete effectively while rehabbing a major injury reflects advances in sports medicine and athlete conditioning.
Dr. Leonard C. Hamilton, professor of sports medicine at the University of Miami, noted, “Johnson’s performance demonstrates not only physical skill but also mental composure under pressure.
Bryant’s missed dunk underscores the difficulty of high risk athletic maneuvers in competition.”
NBA analyst Jackie MacMullan added, “Lillard’s third 3-point title solidifies his place among the league’s elite shooters.
Achieving this while managing recovery from a torn Achilles is extraordinary and reflects both personal dedication and team support.”
| Event | Winner | Score / Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA Dunk Contest | Keshad Johnson (Miami) | Final round win | Overcame Carter Bryant’s near-perfect first dunk |
| 3-Point Contest | Damian Lillard (Portland) | 29 points | Third career 3-point championship |
| Shooting Stars Competition | Team Knicks | N/A | Defeated Team Cameron, included Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns |
Johnson said after the contest, “I knew I had to bring something different tonight. It’s an honor to win in front of this crowd and against such talented competition.”
Bryant acknowledged his misstep, stating, “I had a dunk planned that I couldn’t land. Keshad was incredible, and he deserved it. I’ll be back next year.”
Lillard reflected on his 3-point victory: “Coming back from Achilles rehab, every shot felt like a milestone. To win my third contest alongside legends like Bird and Hodges is humbling.”
NBA officials have emphasized the continued growth of All Star Weekend events as platforms for player visibility and fan engagement.
Johnson’s victory may influence rookie year accolades, while Lillard’s performance highlights the league’s focus on sports science and injury management.
The success of the Shooting Stars event suggests a potential expansion of mixed-era competitions, blending current stars with NBA legends for fan engagement.
The 2026 NBA All Star Weekend demonstrated the enduring appeal of individual skill competitions alongside team play.
Keshad Johnson’s dunk victory, Damian Lillard’s historic 3-point performance, and Team Knicks’ shooting stars success collectively underscored the NBA’s commitment to innovation, athletic excellence, and international entertainment value.
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