Keshad Johnson wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Damian Lillard takes third 3-Point title

Miami's Keshad Johnson overcomes perfect scores to claim Slam Dunk trophy, while Portland's Damian Lillard wins his third 3-Point Contest

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the NBA Slam Dunk contest at All-Star Saturday, overcoming a perfect first-round dunk by San Antonio's Carter Bryant. Damian Lillard, who is sitting out this NBA season due to injury, won his third career 3-Point Contest title, tying the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. The inaugural Shooting Stars event returned for the first time since 2015, with Team Knicks emerging victorious.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk and 3-Point Contests are annual highlights of All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most electrifying dunkers and sharpshooters. Johnson's win establishes him as a rising star, while Lillard's third title cements his legacy as one of the greatest 3-point shooters in NBA history. The return of the Shooting Stars event adds another entertaining competition to the festivities.

The details

In the Slam Dunk final, Johnson started behind the judges' table, took off from the free throw line, and threw down a one-handed windmill jam for his winning dunk. Bryant had the contest's highest score for his first dunk, a between-the-legs jam, but struggled on his second attempt. In the 3-Point Contest, Lillard scored 30 points in the final round to edge out Devin Booker of the Suns. Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Hornets finished third. In the Shooting Stars event, Team Knicks, comprised of Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston, and Jalen Brunson, rallied late to beat Team Cameron and claim the trophy.

  • The NBA Slam Dunk and 3-Point Contests took place on February 15, 2026 as part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
  • The Shooting Stars event was the first time the competition had been held since 2015.

The players

Keshad Johnson

A rising star for the Miami Heat, Johnson won the NBA Slam Dunk contest with a spectacular one-handed windmill jam in the final round.

Damian Lillard

The Portland Trail Blazers star, who is sitting out this NBA season due to injury, won his third career 3-Point Contest title, tying the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Carter Bryant

A rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant earned the contest's highest score for his first dunk in the Slam Dunk final, a between-the-legs jam, but struggled on his second attempt.

Kon Knueppel

The Charlotte Hornets rookie finished third in the 3-Point Contest with 17 points in the final round.

Team Knicks

Comprised of Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston, and Jalen Brunson, Team Knicks rallied late to win the inaugural Shooting Stars event.

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What they’re saying

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

— Keshad Johnson (cbsnews.com)

“I was praying for his downfall.”

— Damian Lillard (cbsnews.com)

“You just got to let the ball fly, trust your instincts as a shooter, and you can't get ruffled when someone else gets hot.”

— Damian Lillard (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The NBA will determine if Damian Lillard will be able to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game, despite sitting out the current season due to injury.

The takeaway

The NBA's annual All-Star Saturday Night festivities showcased the league's rising stars and cemented the legacies of its all-time greats, with Keshad Johnson's Slam Dunk title and Damian Lillard's record-tying 3-Point Contest win highlighting the event.