Heat's Keshad Johnson wins NBA Dunk Contest

Second-year forward stuns with impressive dunks, including one over rapper E-40

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend, becoming the third Heat player in franchise history to claim the title. The 24-year-old Johnson, who had just two days of practice after playing in a pair of G League games, impressed the crowd and judges with his athleticism and creativity, including a dunk where he jumped over rapper E-40. Johnson's victory announced his arrival on the NBA stage after a quiet start to his professional career.

Why it matters

Johnson's win in the dunk contest showcases his elite-level athleticism and potential, which the Heat have been working to harness over his first two NBA seasons. As a second-round pick who went undrafted, the victory also provides a major boost to Johnson's profile and could lead to more playing time and opportunities with the Heat.

The details

Johnson, nicknamed "Showtime," beat out San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round of the dunk contest. For his first dunk, Johnson brought out Bay Area rapper E-40 and jumped over him for a powerful one-handed slam. After a few failed attempts at more ambitious dunks, Johnson turned to a reverse dunk for his second first-round attempt. In the final round, Johnson bounced a pass to himself, put the ball between his legs, and completed a reverse dunk, then finished with a windmill dunk from just inside the free-throw line to clinch the victory.

  • Just hours after receiving the invite to the dunk contest, Johnson played in two G League games for the Heat's affiliate on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Johnson only had about five days' notice for the dunk contest and just two days of actual practice before the event.

The players

Keshad Johnson

A 24-year-old second-year forward for the Miami Heat who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

E-40

A well-known Bay Area rapper who participated in Johnson's first dunk of the contest.

Carter Bryant

A rookie for the San Antonio Spurs who was the runner-up in the dunk contest, losing to Johnson in the final round.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, who has praised Johnson's development and ability to "weaponize" his athleticism.

Julius Erving

A dunking legend who served as a judge for the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

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What they’re saying

“I have to have crazy faith to be here and be in this position, and just glorify the name of the Lord just for having Keshad 'Showtime' Johnson to be out here in the NBA Dunk Contest and coming home with the championship.”

— Keshad Johnson (Miami Herald)

“E-40 was a part of the plan. My big bro Ethan, he made a call to E-40 and we got Unc on board and he was ready. He was ready. The love and respect that he gave me just to take time out of his day to be involved in this, I can't ask for nothing better.”

— Keshad Johnson (Miami Herald)

“He's really starting to figure out how to weaponize that athleticism and show it more in the game of basketball, where it's not just a dunk contest. He has a 40-plus inch vertical. And then as a young player, sometimes you need to learn how to utilize it, which he's been doing a great job of.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Heat will look to incorporate Johnson's improved offensive game and athleticism into their rotation as he continues to develop in his second NBA season.

The takeaway

Keshad Johnson's victory in the NBA Dunk Contest showcases his elite-level athleticism and potential, providing a major boost to his profile after a quiet start to his NBA career. The Heat believe he is learning how to best utilize his physical tools, and this win could lead to more playing time and opportunities for the young forward.