Heat's Keshad Johnson Wins NBA Dunk Contest on Short Notice

Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson revealed he had just 4-5 days to prepare after receiving a last-minute invite to the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, despite having only 4-5 days' notice to prepare. The young undrafted prospect out of Arizona took home the hardware, beating out Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, and Jase Richardson. Johnson revealed he was sent down to the G League right before getting the invite, and only had 2 days to practice his dunks.

Why it matters

Johnson's victory marks the second year in a row a Miami Heat player has won an NBA All-Star Weekend contest, following Tyler Herro's win. The Heat have now tied the Atlanta Hawks for the second-most Slam Dunk contest wins with 4, trailing only the New York Knicks' 5 wins.

The details

Johnson posted a 47.5 on his first dunk, the highest score of the first round. He then advanced to the finals, where he edged out Carter Bryant in a close battle, posting a 49.6 on his third dunk and a 47.8 on his final dunk to earn a convincing 97.4 total score and the Dunk Contest title.

  • Weeks before the dunk contest, rumors suggested the contest would include Jalen Duren, but he was excluded due to a minor injury.
  • Johnson received the invite to the dunk contest just the night before he was set to be sent down to the G League.
  • Johnson only had 2 days to practice his dunks after being called up from the G League.

The players

Keshad Johnson

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

Jalen Duren

An NBA veteran center who was initially rumored to be participating in the dunk contest but was excluded due to a minor injury.

Carter Bryant

One of the other participants in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, who finished runner-up to Johnson.

Jaxson Hayes

Another participant in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, who placed third behind Johnson and Bryant.

Jase Richardson

The fourth participant in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest alongside Johnson, Bryant, and Hayes.

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What they’re saying

“'Five days' notice! Maybe even four,'”

— Keshad Johnson (Newsweek)

“'The position I'm in, they sent me down to the G League, right before they sent me down to the G League, they told me that I got the invite that night before. I got a little banged up in the G League game—I had two back-to-backs in the G League—then I really only had two days to practice.'”

— Keshad Johnson (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Heat will look to continue their success in the Slam Dunk Contest, as they have now tied the Atlanta Hawks for the second-most wins with 4, trailing only the New York Knicks' 5 victories.

The takeaway

Keshad Johnson's Dunk Contest victory on short notice is an impressive feat, showcasing his athleticism and adaptability. The Heat's continued dominance in the event also highlights the team's commitment to developing young talent and their ability to produce All-Star caliber players.