Summary
There isn’t anything quite likea successful dunkin the NBA, and there really isn’t anything like pulling one off in a game ofNBA 2K25. Being able to drive into the paint, leap over an opponent, and slam the ball down through the hoop is something that sends a message to the opponent: they’re not stopping it. It’s a way to flex over the other team and get the crowd into the game like no other player can.
The game does a great job of making dunking feel just as satisfying as it would be in a real game. It also offers a ton of different animations and styles for dunking that players can use to choose how they wantto pull off this iconic move. This guide is here to inform anyone who wants to choose the best options about just what those options are.
Updated June 19, 2025 by Shane Black:With the NBA season roughly halfway done, there are plenty of players emerging as strong dunkers in the league. Because of this, this list has been updated to offer a greater variety of dunk styles for players to use.
This allows for more options when playing the game and more ways for the players to dominate every single match. More in-text links were added to give players access to other guides that will provide more information and greater context to be the best at the game that they possibly can be.
8Athletic Front Tomahawks
Slam It With Authority
A Tomahawk jam isone of the best kinds of dunksin the game of basketball. It involves the player cocking their arm back with the ball as they take off and then dunking it with authority. It’s an aggressive dunk that can demotivate an opponent easily.It’s also pretty tough to blockthanks to how quickly it happens.
7Cradle Dunks Off One
Safe And Effective
This dunkcan be just about perfect. It has the player cradling the ball to stop a defender from poking it or blocking it while finishing with a pretty stylish slam. For players who want toshow off a little bit but don’t want to risk losing out on the points, this dunk animation is for them.
It makes the entire experience much more exciting, as you can relax about it being stopped.
6LeBron James
An Iconic Dunk
LeBron has builtmuch of his legacyonhow powerful his dunks areand this animation makes players feel like they’re actually controlling the GOAT (it’s a joke, Jordan fans). This animation will get the crowd, and probably the player,on their feet.
5Quick Drops Off Two
Don’t Worry About Missing
This makes the list thanks to its safety;this dunk is not meant to be flashy or boastful. It is about putting the ball through the basket as safely and quickly as possible. When players attempt a more elaborate dunk, they run the risk of having that dunk blocked or defended by an opponent.This animation is designed to stop that from happening.
4Russell Westbrook
An Athletic Flair
Westbrook is not the biggest player in the league, but he has made a name for himselfthrough his athleticism and explosive plays. He has always been able to barrel his way in for a layup, and sometimes a big dunk.
Pulling this one off isn’t as easy, as it requires a good lane to the hoop. But once it is done, itcan electrify a gameimmediately.
3Giannis Antetenkoumpo
Stellar Dunking
Giannis might be the best dunker in the league right now and that is whyhis dunking style has made this list. It best suits the taller players like him and can become a reliablemethod of scoringin a game.
It’s not a slam, really, but it’s just effective sincethe release of the ball is so high. This makes the dunk incredibly difficult to block for any defender.
2Aaron Gordon
True Dunking Champion
Aaron Gorden was robbed of two dunking competition titles,and that can be seen in his dunking style in a game. It’s athletic, it’s authoritative, and it can absolutely dominate a match whenever it’s used.
For the athletic players with some size,this dunking style can be a great option to use. While it isn’t as good when dunking from a standing position, driving to the rim is an unstoppable force.
1Elite Standing Bigs
Score Through Contact
Not every dunk is going to be a wide-open opportunity so being able to dunk through the contact is a huge benefit for any player. This dunking style will give players the chance to do just that anddo it with authority.
This is how a player can posterize someone else and that can be a massive game-changer. It’s really hard to defend against this dunking, so that meansit’s one of the best options.
