Here’s How to Dunk in "NBA 2K21" (Because We Can’t Do It In Real Life)

Let us soar!

We may believe we can fly, but when we actually try, uhh, it doesn’t quite pan out. (Also, in this house, we try to forget that song ever happened, for, y'know, reasons.)

Thankfully, there are games like NBA 2K21 that let us at least pretend we can soar through the skies, like a bird, like a plane, like a, y’know, Zion Williamson.

But if you’ve been playing the latest 2K instalment and found yourself stuck doing measly jump shots or (*chokes back vomit*) layups, we’re here to help you learn the basics of perfect dunk-xecution.

And if this doesn't work, well, you may want to visit 2K University to get some practice in, because not even Kawhi was born hooping.

(This game was previewed on the PS4, as provided for free by 2K Games. All screenshots correspond to the PlayStation experience. Nonetheless, we'll outline the correct buttons for Xbox One as well.)

How to Dunk in NBA 2K21

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 on the PS4/RT on the Xbox One + 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, but let’s learn to "walk" before you dunk like that. You can also dunk by using the typical shooting buttons, Square on the PS4 or X on the Xbox One, rather than the thumbstick, but why make life harder on yourself?

The Shot Meter won’t appear when you’re attempting a dunk, mostly because success is a foregone conclusion if you’ve completed the above successfully. Oh, and if you’re in the body of a top player, you’ll automatically do a flashy dunk because 2K21 wouldn’t dare disrespect the league’s best like that. Yes, this could be you (but without the early playoff exit)!

NBA 2K21 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:

Here's How to Shoot in NBA 2K21 (Including Stepbacks and Layups)

Here's How to Defend in NBA 2K21 (From Steals to Flops to Intentional Fouls)

Here’s How to Do Dribble Moves in NBA 2K21 (Including Crossovers and Spins)

Here's How to Pump Fake and Fake Pass in NBA 2K21 (to Better Embarrass Your Opponents)

Here’s How to Eurostep in NBA 2K21 (So You Can Play Like a Fancy European)

How to Trade Players in NBA 2K21 (and Get Whoever You Want, Whenever You Want)

How to Get Bonus VC and MyTEAM Packs in NBA 2K21

Header Image: 2K Games