Keshad Johnson of Miami Heat Wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest
San Leandro native Keshad Johnson, who plays for the Miami Heat, won the NBA Slam Dunk contest. The event was part of the league's All-Star Weekend held in Inglewood. Johnson's athletic performance secured him the victory in the annual competition.
- Johnson secured the title by defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round; Bryant had received a perfect score of 50 on his first dunk in the final but missed his first two attempts on his second dunk. - The four-person field also included Jaxson Hayes of the host city's Los Angeles Lakers and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic. - For one of his dunks, Johnson, an Oakland native, jumped over Bay Area rapper E-40 to complete the slam. - Johnson's path to the NBA includes going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft before signing a two-way contract with the Heat and later earning a standard deal in December 2024. - He is the third player in Miami Heat history to win the Slam Dunk Contest. - Prior to his professional career, Johnson played four seasons of college basketball at San Diego State, reaching a Final Four, before transferring to Arizona for his final year of eligibility. - The panel of judges for the event consisted of former NBA slam dunk champions Dominique Wilkins, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, and Brent Barry. - The competition crowned a new champion as three-time defending winner Mac McClung, who is currently on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, did not participate in the event.
