Magic Rookie Jase Richardson Falls Short in Slam Dunk Contest After Scary Fall

The 20-year-old guard took a hard tumble but says he has no regrets about participating in the event.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Magic rookie Jase Richardson was unable to advance out of the first round of the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday night after taking a scary fall during his second dunk attempt. Richardson, who was making his debut in the contest, received a total score of 88.8 in the first round, which was not enough to finish in the top two and move on to the finals. Despite the fall, Richardson said he was "good" and that he was just happy to have the opportunity to compete in the event.

Why it matters

The Slam Dunk Contest is one of the marquee events of NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most athletic and creative players. Richardson's participation, even with the fall, highlights the excitement and unpredictability of the competition and the risks young players take to try to make a name for themselves on the national stage.

The details

Richardson's first dunk featured a toss of the ball that turned into a self alley-oop and led to a two-handed reverse slam that received a score of 45.5 from the judges. However, during his second dunk attempt, Richardson tried to catch a ball thrown off the side the backboard and finish it off with a 360-degree dunk, but instead he took a hard fall, hitting his head on the floor. His backup dunk, a regular 360-degree slam, earned a score of 43.4, bringing his first-round total to 88.8, which was not enough to advance.

  • The Slam Dunk Contest took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026 during NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California.

The players

Jase Richardson

A 20-year-old rookie guard for the Orlando Magic who was making his debut in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Jason Richardson

Jase Richardson's father, who won the Slam Dunk Contest twice with the Golden State Warriors in 2002 and 2003.

Carter Bryant

A rookie player for the San Antonio Spurs who also competed in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Jaxson Hayes

A rookie player for the Los Angeles Lakers who also competed in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Keshad Johnson

A rookie player for the Miami Heat who won the Slam Dunk Contest after outlasting Carter Bryant in the final round.

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What they’re saying

“I'm good. I tried to go do a little 360 off the side of the glass, (but) my arm got caught on the side of the backboard.”

— Jase Richardson (orlandosentinel.com)

“After taking a fall like that, I just had to move on from that dunk. It is what is. You win some, you lose some.”

— Jase Richardson (orlandosentinel.com)

“For me, I'm trying to steer away from that. I just wanted to do the contest and try to make it my own thing instead of everything having to do with my father.”

— Jase Richardson (orlandosentinel.com)

“This is my first All-Star Weekend so I've really enjoyed my time here. The energy was great. It's something I've always imagined being a part of and I was just blessed to be here.”

— Jase Richardson (orlandosentinel.com)

The takeaway

Despite his scary fall and elimination from the Slam Dunk Contest, Jase Richardson's debut in the event showcased his athleticism and willingness to take risks on the big stage. While he didn't win, the experience will likely only fuel his desire to return and prove himself in future All-Star Weekends.