Keshad Johnson Wins Slam Dunk Contest, Damian Lillard Claims Third 3-Point Title at NBA All-Star Weekend 2026

LOS ANGELES, February 15, 2026 – The NBA All-Star Weekend concluded Saturday with a surprising victory in the Slam Dunk Contest for Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson, and a history-making performance in the Three-Point Contest by Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard, who secured his third title, tying the records held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Johnson’s win came in a contest largely described as lacking the dynamism of previous years. He overcame a strong showing from San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, who initially wowed judges with a perfect 50 on his first dunk in the final round. Bryant’s dunk involved bouncing the ball off the floor, catching it between his legs, and completing a right-handed slam.

However, Bryant faltered on subsequent attempts, struggling with a more ambitious dunk involving a bounce off the backboard and a reverse finish. He ultimately settled for a less challenging dunk on his final attempt, but it wasn’t enough to surpass Johnson’s overall performance.

Johnson, who went undrafted in 2024 and has seen limited playing time with the Heat, responded with a series of solid dunks, ultimately securing the championship. His final dunk, while not particularly innovative, proved sufficient to claim the title. He accepted the trophy from Hall of Famer Julius Erving, emphasizing the importance of pursuing dreams.

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

The dunk contest also saw participation from Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic. Richardson, the son of two-time dunk contest winner Jason Richardson, experienced a concerning moment during his performance when he collided with the court after a missed attempt, briefly raising safety concerns. He was ultimately eliminated from the competition.

The evening’s most compelling narrative centered on Damian Lillard’s triumph in the Three-Point Contest. Remarkably, Lillard achieved this victory while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, having not played a game this season. His final-round score of 29 points edged out Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.

Lillard’s performance was particularly notable given the severity of his injury, sustained in April during a playoff series with the Indiana Pacers. He underwent surgery in May and was subsequently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks before returning to Portland, the team that originally drafted him, on a three-year contract.

“I came in confident. I’m fresh,” Lillard stated after the win. “I don’t have to go out there and play 40 minutes, 35 minutes. I think just having this year to be away, my mind and body [are] just fresh. So I came out there excited to do it.”

Booker, who had posted the highest score in the first round, finished second with 23 points, falling short of Lillard’s final score despite two perfect shooting rounds. Knueppel secured third place with 17 points.

Other participants in the Three-Point Contest included Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), Norman Powell (Miami Heat), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), and Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks).

In a change from previous years, the Shooting Stars competition replaced the skills challenge. Team Knicks, comprised of Allan Houston and All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, emerged victorious with a score of 47 points, defeating Team Cameron, featuring Duke alumni Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel, and Corey Maggette, who scored 38 points.

Lillard’s win marks a significant moment in the history of the Three-Point Contest, solidifying his place alongside Bird and Hodges as the only three-time champions. His ability to perform at such a high level while recovering from a serious injury underscores his dedication and skill, providing a compelling storyline for the NBA All-Star Weekend.