What Happened to NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is an annual competition held during the NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing players' dunking abilities. After periods of declining star participation and perceived quality, the contest experienced a significant revitalization from 2023 to 2025 with Mac McClung's unprecedented three consecutive victories, bringing renewed excitement and viral moments. In 2026, Keshad Johnson claimed the title, continuing the event's recent resurgence.
Quick Answer
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a long-standing All-Star Weekend event, has recently seen a significant boost in popularity. G-League standout Mac McClung won an unprecedented three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025, captivating audiences with perfect-score dunks and innovative performances. In 2026, Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the Julius 'Dr. J' Erving Trophy, beating Carter Bryant in the final, as fan voting also made a return to the scoring format.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
ABA Inaugural Slam Dunk Contest
The first professional slam dunk contest was held during the ABA All-Star Game, with Julius Erving of the New York Nets becoming the inaugural champion.
NBA Adopts Slam Dunk Contest
After the ABA-NBA merger, the NBA officially adopted the Slam Dunk Contest as part of its All-Star Weekend, with Larry Nance winning the first NBA title.
Iconic Jordan vs. Wilkins Duel
Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins engaged in one of the most memorable contests in history, solidifying the event's status as a fan favorite.
Vince Carter's Legendary Performance
Vince Carter delivered a spectacular performance, widely considered one of the greatest ever, featuring dunks that redefined the contest.
Nate Robinson Wins First Title
Nate Robinson won his first of three titles, eventually becoming the first three-time champion in contest history.
Zach LaVine vs. Aaron Gordon Epic Battle
Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon engaged in a highly acclaimed contest, featuring innovative dunks and multiple perfect scores, often cited as one of the best ever.
Mac McClung's Breakthrough Win
G-League player Mac McClung won the contest, delivering a series of high-flying dunks that garnered widespread acclaim and revitalized interest in the event.
McClung Wins Second Consecutive Title
Mac McClung successfully defended his title, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Zach LaVine, defeating NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown in the final. He notably jumped over Shaquille O'Neal for a perfect score.
Mac McClung Achieves Historic Three-Peat
Mac McClung made history by winning his third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first player ever to achieve a three-peat, with all four of his dunks receiving perfect 50s.
Fan Voting Returns to Contest
The NBA announced the return of fan voting for the Slam Dunk Contest, with fan scores contributing as one of the five official scores, aiming to boost engagement.
Keshad Johnson Wins 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the 2026 Julius 'Dr. J' Erving Trophy, defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round. Mac McClung did not participate.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest originated in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1976, with Julius Erving winning the inaugural event. It was later adopted by the NBA in 1984, quickly becoming a highlight of All-Star Weekend. The 1980s and 1990s saw iconic battles and legendary performances from stars like Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, establishing the contest as a premier showcase of athleticism and creativity.
However, the late 1990s and early 2000s marked a period of decline, with fewer marquee NBA players participating, leading to a perceived drop in the contest's overall quality and excitement. Despite attempts at format changes, including various scoring systems and the introduction of fan voting between 2008 and 2014, the event struggled to consistently capture the widespread interest it once commanded.
A significant turning point arrived in 2023 with the emergence of Mac McClung, a relatively unknown G-League player. McClung's electrifying performance, featuring multiple perfect scores, revitalized the contest and garnered immense praise, with many crediting him for 'saving' the event. He continued his dominance in 2024, becoming the first player since Zach LaVine (2015-2016) to win back-to-back titles, notably dunking over Shaquille O'Neal. McClung made history in 2025 by achieving an unprecedented three-peat, winning his third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest with four perfect 50-point dunks, including a spectacular leap over a car.
As of 2026-08-17, the contest continues to evolve. Mac McClung opted not to participate in the 2026 event, ending his historic run. The 2026 contest saw Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson emerge as the champion, defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round with a score of 97.4. The NBA also brought back fan voting in a limited capacity for the 2025 contest, where the average of fan scores counted as one of the five official scores, a format that continued into 2026. This move reflects the league's ongoing efforts to maintain fan engagement and the contest's relevance, building on the momentum generated by McClung's recent success.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if NBA Slam Dunk Contest made different choices?