Ex-Spartan Jase Richardson OK after scary fall in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat wins the Slam Dunk competition, while Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers wins the 3-Point Contest.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former Michigan State star Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic had a scary fall on one of his dunk attempts in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but he told reporters afterward that he was OK. Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the Slam Dunk competition, while Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers won the 3-Point Contest for the third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Why it matters

The NBA All-Star Weekend is one of the most highly anticipated events in the basketball calendar, showcasing the league's top talent and providing a platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills. Richardson's scare and Johnson's victory in the Slam Dunk Contest, as well as Lillard's 3-Point Contest win, were among the highlights of the weekend's festivities.

The details

In the Slam Dunk Contest, Johnson used a between-the-legs reverse dunk and a running dunk from just inside the free-throw line to post a combined score of 97.4 in the final round, beating out rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs. Richardson and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the opening round. In the 3-Point Contest, Lillard defeated seven other long-distance shooting rivals and won the event for a third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

  • The NBA Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026, as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities.
  • Lillard has been out due to an Achilles injury since last season's playoffs as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The players

Keshad Johnson

A player for the Miami Heat who won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Damian Lillard

A player for the Portland Trail Blazers who won the NBA 3-Point Contest for the third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Jase Richardson

A former Michigan State star who plays for the Orlando Magic and had a scary fall during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Carter Bryant

A rookie player for the San Antonio Spurs who finished second in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Jaxson Hayes

A player for the Los Angeles Lakers who was eliminated in the opening round of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

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What they’re saying

“I beat the odds. I made it. I made it into the NBA. Every year I was watching the NBA Dunk Contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody. I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them. And now that I'm here, I had to have crazy faith to be here and be in this position.”

— Keshad Johnson (detroitnews.com)

“I could care less if it was an Uno game, I could care less if it was running lines, I could care less if it's a shooting competition. I feel like losing is something that burns. I just hate it. That's just something you don't want to feel.”

— Carter Bryant (detroitnews.com)

“For me, it means a lot just being able to get involved in some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to do something that I haven't been able to do all year. But just as a shooter, any time you can get in this competition and win it amongst other great shooters, I think that's one of the greatest honors you can have as a shooter in this league.”

— Damian Lillard (detroitnews.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.