Keshad Johnson: The Dunk Contest King (But Where’s McClung?)
Keshad Johnson: The Dunk Contest King (But Where’s McClung?)
Ah, the dunk contest, where the action is supposed to be as smooth as a jazz tune but often ends up being more like a cat stuck in a tree. This year, the absence of Mac McClung created a void that echoed louder than the sound of a missed free throw. Instead, we were served a heaping plate of rookie and role players, and let’s just say the excitement was as flat as a deflated basketball.
First up to bat was Keshad Johnson from the Miami Heat, who clearly didn’t just come to play; he came to slay (the competition, that is). While others were playing it safe with dunks that even your grandma could pull off, Keshad decided to jump over someone. Yes, someone! He threw down a one-handed dunk while the other hand was chilling behind his head, channeling some serious Karl Malone vibes. Right from the get-go, Johnson was the one to beat.
But let’s not forget about Carter Bryant from the San Antonio Spurs, a fellow contender who dazzled the crowd with the only perfect score of the night— a majestic through-the-legs dunk. While everyone else struggled for creativity, his opening act was a one-handed 360 that left jaws dropped and eyes wide like kids in a candy store.
However, the highlight of the night belonged to Keshad once again! He had tried a wild dunk earlier and chickened out (who wouldn’t with the pressure on?) but he opened the finals with a mind-blowing dunk under the legs that had the audience jumping out of their seats. Meanwhile, Bryant’s great expectations met a sad end as he fumbled his last dunk attempt, leaving him to stare into the clock like it was an old flame that ghosted him.
Jase Richardson, son of the legendary Golden State Warrior dunker, also tried to channel some creativity but ended up looking more like he was auditioning for a slapstick comedy. His attempt at a 360 dunk after a pass off the rim almost resulted in a faceplant that would make anyone reconsider their career choice. Ultimately, he had to settle for a more run-of-the-mill 360 after some graceful acrobatics on the court.
In conclusion, much like your buddy’s karaoke performance after a few too many drinks, the dunk contest was a mixed bag. Not even McClung could have saved it this year. Keshad Johnson, however, was the one who added the most flair to the stage, proving that he might just wear the dunk king crown for 2026. Can we get a round of applause?
