Heat’s Keshad Johnson Claims Slam Dunk Title, Defeating Carter Bryant
Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat triumphed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Saturday in Inglewood, California. He defeated San Antonio’s rookie Carter Bryant, who secured perfect scores for his first dunk in the final round.
Keshad Johnson Clinches Dunk Title
Johnson’s standout performance included a dramatic final dunk where he started behind the judges’ table, took off from the free throw line, and executed a one-handed windmill dunk. His initial attempt featured a between-the-legs move, which earned him a slightly higher score than Bryant’s impressive first dunk.
Competition Highlights
- Carter Bryant achieved the highest score of the contest, receiving a perfect 50.0 from all five judges for his first dunk.
- Bryant, however, struggled in his second dunk attempt, missing twice before finally completing a less flashy dunk.
- Johnson celebrated his win by dancing on the court and received the trophy from Hall of Famer Julius Erving.
- Notably, last year’s champion, Mac McClung, did not compete this time. McClung had previously received perfect scores in all his dunks at the San Francisco contest.
Contest Structure and Judge Panel
The contest featured a four-man field for the fifth consecutive year, with Johnson and Bryant advancing to the final round, while Jaxson Hayes and Jase Richardson were eliminated in the earlier rounds. Judging was conducted by prominent figures including Erving, Dominique Wilkins, and Dwight Howard.
Additional All-Star Saturday Highlights
In other events, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard won the 3-point contest, securing his third title and tying the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. Lillard scored 30 points in the final, edging out Devin Booker, who finished with 27 points. Rookie Kon Knueppel from the Charlotte Hornets took third place with 17 points.
- Lillard’s victory marks a significant achievement amid his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
- Notable celebrity attendees included Spike Lee, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy.
Shooting Stars Competition
The Shooting Stars competition saw Team Knicks—comprising Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston, and Jalen Brunson—emerge victorious with 47 points, beating Team Cameron’s 38 points. The event featured a timed scoring format at various designated shooting spots on the court, fostering competitive spirit among teams.
With Johnson’s thrilling victory, the NBA has a new Slam Dunk champion, encouraging aspiring players to pursue their dreams. “All the kids out there, keep dreaming; anything can happen,” Johnson remarked following his achievement.
