Spurs' Bryant Runner-Up in Dunk Contest; Vows Second Try

San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant finished second in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, vowing to compete again next year.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant finished second in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Bryant impressed the crowd with a series of high-flying dunks, including a 360-degree windmill and a between-the-legs dunk off a self-lob that earned him a perfect 50-point score. However, he ultimately fell short to Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson in the final round. Despite the loss, Bryant vowed to compete in the dunk contest again next year when it is held in his hometown of Phoenix.

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. Bryant's runner-up finish demonstrates his impressive leaping ability and potential as a rising star in the NBA. His vow to compete again next year in Phoenix adds an intriguing personal storyline, as the University of Arizona alum will have a chance to win the title in front of his hometown fans.

The details

Bryant, who has struggled with missed dunks earlier in the season, found his rhythm in the contest. He opened with a 360-degree windmill dunk that earned him a 46.5 score, then followed it up with a two-handed windmill off a self-lob that sent him to the finals with a 49.2 average. In the championship round, Bryant attempted a between-the-legs dunk off a self-lob that earned a perfect 50 score, but he ultimately fell short to Johnson's higher-scoring dunks.

  • The NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • The 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled to be held in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Carter Bryant

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

Keshad Johnson

A forward for the Miami Heat who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Jaxson Hayes

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who competed in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Jase Richardson

A rookie guard for the Orlando Magic who competed in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Stephon Castle

A Spurs player who provided advice to Carter Bryant ahead of the dunk contest.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody's got their own nature and way of doing things. You want to take as much advice as you can, but ... you take what you need.”

— Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs Rookie (si.com)

“I've seen a couple of his dunks. I think he'll have a good showing out there.”

— Stephon Castle, Spurs Player (si.com)

“Losing is the worst thing on planet Earth. It just runs deep. It stings. It hurts ... it's not going to be a feeling that I forget.”

— Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs Rookie (si.com)

“That's like averaging a 40-point triple-double in The Finals and not winning. Winning takes precedent over everything. Nobody remembers you if you go out and lose.”

— Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs Rookie (si.com)

“He told me: 'Keep your composure, go finish the dunk, go put on a show.'”

— Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs Rookie (si.com)

What’s next

The 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, where Carter Bryant plans to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest again in his hometown.

The takeaway

Despite falling short in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Carter Bryant's impressive performance and vow to compete again next year in Phoenix demonstrate his athleticism, competitive drive, and commitment to representing his roots. The Spurs rookie has emerged as an exciting young talent in the league with the potential to become a future dunk contest champion.