Here’s How to Dunk in "NBA 2K20" (Because It's the Only Way to Fly)

You didn’t buy NBA 2K20 to practice your dribbling.

You didn’t even buy NBA 2K20 to see Idris Elba’s pixelated performance in MyCareer mode (though it is very good).

No, you bought NBA 2K20 to drive to the hoop and posterise every current NBA and WNBA champ, not to mention some former greats and yes, that includes those who have been dead for years. (You’re ruthless, but hey, it’s called basketball, not basket-friendship.)

Of course, you must walk before you can dunk. So, make sure you study our guide on how to shoot in NBA 2K20 first. Once you’ve nailed those techniques, you may graduate… to the skies!

(This game was previewed on the PS4, so all screenshots below correspond to the PlayStation experience. Nonetheless, we'll outline the correct buttons for Xbox One as well.)

How to Dunk in NBA 2K20

There are three kinds of basic dunk in NBA 2K20, and each one requires you to drive to the basket by pressing the 'sprint' button: that’s R2 on the PS4 or RT on Xbox One. 

Once you’re sprinting to the basket, and you’ve got a clear enough path to complete a dunk, you’re gonna want to remain in motion while doing the following:

Two-Hand Dunk: R2/RT + move and hold up the right thumbstick while driving.

Flashy Dunk: R2/RT + move and hold down the right thumbstick while driving.

Dominant or Off-Hand Dunk: R2/RT + move and hold the right thumbstick left or right (the direction determines your dunking hand).

If you earn enough VC, you’ll eventually be able to expand your Dunk Package in the MyPLAYER Lab.

You can also dunk by using the typical shooting buttons, Square or X, rather than the thumbstick, but why make life harder on yourself?

Keep in mind the Shot Meter won’t appear when you’re attempting a dunk, mostly because it’s a foregone conclusion if you’ve managed to execute the above successfully.

However, if you stop suddenly before finishing the combination, or aren’t in a full-sprint when approaching the basket, the Shot Meter will appear and you’ll end up doing a layup or something less awesome (and then you are at risk of a block). Witness my failure below:

Keep all that in mind, and you’ll be sonning your opponents at the rim in no time. In fact, thanks to the inclusion of the WNBA in NBA 2K20, you’ll be daughtering some opponents too. (On second thought, we don't love the way that sounds...)

See you on the hardwood.

NBA 2K20 is now available. (Affiliate disclosure: Student Edge may earn a commission if you click that link and buy a product from our partner's page.)

Read More:

Do You Need NBA 2K20 If You Have NBA 2K19 or Older?

Here’s How to Shoot in NBA 2K20 (Because It’s Never Been More Scarily Accurate)

Here's How to Defend in NBA 2K20 (Including Steals, Flops and Intentional Fouls)

Here’s How to Do Dribble Moves in NBA 2K20 (From Spins to Crossovers)

Here’s How to Pump Fake and Fake Pass in NBA 2K20

Here’s How to "Eurostep" in NBA 2K20 (and Play Like Giannis)

How to Trade Players in NBA 2K20 (and Always Get Who You Want)

How to Get Bonus VC in NBA 2K20

Header Image: 2K Games