Magic's Jase Richardson suffers scary fall during dunk contest

Richardson tried a risky dunk but got caught on the backboard, falling hard to the court.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson took part in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night, but his attempt at a spinning dunk went wrong as he got caught on the side of the backboard and fell hard to the court. Richardson was able to complete his second dunk attempt and finished with a total score of 88.8, but it wasn't enough to advance to the finals.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most anticipated events of the NBA All-Star weekend, and dramatic falls like Richardson's can captivate fans but also raise concerns about player safety. Richardson's fall highlights the risks players take in trying to pull off spectacular dunks to impress the crowd and judges.

The details

Richardson began his dunk attempt from the corner on the right side of the basket. He had a friend on the right wing bounce the ball off the side of the backboard, and Richardson tried to make a spinning dunk off the rebound. However, his arm got caught on the side of the backboard, and he fell hard onto his back on the court. Richardson was able to complete his second dunk attempt after the fall.

  • The incident occurred during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Jase Richardson

An Orlando Magic guard who participated in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Keshad Johnson

The Miami Heat player who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with a one-handed windmill dunk.

Carter Bryant

A San Antonio Spurs rookie who finished runner-up in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

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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 (Orlando Sentinel)

“All the kids out there, keep dreaming, anything can happen. I just came out here and showed people.”

— Keshad Johnson (Fox News)

What’s next

The NBA will likely review the incident and consider any necessary safety measures for future dunk contests to prevent similar falls.

The takeaway

Richardson's scary fall during the dunk contest highlights the risks players take to entertain the crowd, but also raises questions about player safety and the need for the NBA to prioritize protecting its athletes during these high-flying exhibitions.