Spurs' Carter Bryant comes up short in NBA Dunk Contest despite perfect 50 slam

Rookie forward captivates crowd with eye-popping athleticism but falls to Miami's Keshad Johnson in final

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant dazzled the crowd at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in Los Angeles, scoring a perfect 50 on an east-bay slam in the second round. However, the 20-year-old forward ultimately fell short in the final against Miami Heat's Keshad Johnson.

Why it matters

Bryant was a raw prospect when the Spurs drafted him 14th overall in 2025, but his elite athleticism made him an intriguing pick. His performance in the Dunk Contest showcased that potential and got fans excited about his future development.

The details

Bryant wowed the crowd with a series of high-flying dunks, including the perfect 50-point slam in the second round. Though he came up short against Johnson in the final, Bryant's display of athleticism and showmanship captivated the audience.

  • The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place on All-Star Saturday in Los Angeles.

The players

Carter Bryant

A 20-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs, selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Keshad Johnson

A player for the Miami Heat who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, defeating Carter Bryant in the final.

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The takeaway

Carter Bryant's performance in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest showcased his elite athleticism and potential, despite falling short of the title. The Spurs' decision to draft him in 2025 as a raw prospect appears to be paying off, as he captivated the crowd with his high-flying dunks and demonstrated why the organization saw him as an intriguing long-term investment.