Look, when you pit the New Orleans Pelicans against the Houston Rockets in an NBA Dunks contest, you know what you’re getting. You’re getting a show. And on this March night in 2026, the Pelicans delivered, taking it 4-1 over a Rockets squad that just couldn't find its rhythm above the rim.
The writing was on the wall early. Zion Williamson, still the league’s most explosive dunker, set the tone with his very first attempt. A 360-degree windmill, off two feet, that absolutely rattled the rim. It was a statement dunk, plain and simple, earning a perfect 50 from the judges and putting the Pelicans up 1-0. You could feel the energy shift in the arena right then.
Pelicans' Aerial Assault
The Pelicans' strategy under coach Willie Green was clear: unleash Williamson and complement him with high-flying versatility. And it worked to perfection. After Zion’s opener, rookie sensation Jalen Johnson, fresh off a 35-point outing against the Jazz last week, stepped up. Johnson, all 6-foot-9 of him, took off from just inside the free-throw line for a two-hand reverse. The hangtime was ridiculous. Another 49, and suddenly the Pelicans were cruising, 2-0.
Houston, meanwhile, looked a bit disjointed. Coach Ime Udoka had opted to open with Jabari Smith Jr., a solid athlete but not exactly known for his aerial acrobatics. Smith’s first dunk was a clean two-hand power jam, good for a 42. Respectable, sure, but it lacked the flair and creativity needed to compete with what New Orleans was throwing down. The crowd, honestly, barely reacted.
The Rockets did get on the board in the third round. Alperen Şengün, surprisingly, pulled out a clever self-oop, catching it off the backboard and finishing with a strong one-hand flush. It was a 46, a good score, and brought the Rockets to 2-1. You thought maybe, just maybe, they had found a spark. Thing is, it wasn't enough to really rattle the Pelicans.
But then came Williamson again. His second dunk was even more audacious than his first. He threw the ball off the side of the backboard, caught it mid-air, and spun for a reverse jam with his head nearly at the rim. The sheer power and control were breathtaking. Another 50. The crowd erupted. That put the Pelicans up 3-1, and you could practically hear the air go out of the Rockets' sails.
Rockets' Missed Opportunity
Houston's tactical approach felt a little conservative, almost as if Udoka was trying to play it safe. They had some athletes, no doubt. Jalen Green, for instance, has flashes of brilliance. But his two attempts, a baseline drive for a one-hand jam and a 360, felt a bit safe. They scored 44 and 45 respectively, which just isn't enough when you're up against a generational talent like Williamson.
This loss stings for the Rockets, especially after their strong start to the season where they went 8-2 in their first ten games. They’re still battling for a play-in spot in the Western Conference, sitting ninth with a 38-34 record. You need every bit of confidence you can get, and getting humbled in a dunk contest, even if it's exhibition, doesn't help morale. They needed to show more creativity, more willingness to take risks. They played it too safe, and it cost them.
For the Pelicans, this was a morale booster. They’re clinging to the fifth seed at 42-30, fighting off a surging Mavericks team. A dominant performance like this, led by Williamson, reminds everyone what they’re capable of. It’s a message to the rest of the league: Zion is back, and he’s still got that bounce.
Man of the match, without question, was Zion Williamson. Two perfect 50s, dunks that will be on highlight reels for years. His explosiveness is unmatched, and when he’s healthy and motivated, he’s a force of nature. Jalen Johnson also deserves a shoutout for his incredible athleticism and daring.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans face a tough road trip, starting with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. That's a real test of their playoff mettle. The Rockets, on the other hand, head home to host the Orlando Magic. They’ll need to shake this off quickly and focus on getting back to winning ways in actual basketball games. They can't afford to let this exhibition loss linger.
Here's my hot take: If the Rockets don't embrace more risk-taking in their offensive sets, they'll be watching the playoffs from home.
Bold prediction: Zion Williamson will win the actual NBA Slam Dunk Contest next year if he enters.