Dunks Only

What Dunks Only Does

Dunks Only is the most extreme of NBA The Run’s scoring modifiers: if the shot isn’t a dunk, it doesn’t score. Early guides list “dunks-only scoring conditions” among the randomized rule sets that can appear mid-run, and the effect completely rewrites the round — perimeter shooting, floaters, and standard layups all become worthless, and the entire game collapses into who can get to the rim and throw it down.

The precise in-game label and any edge cases (such as whether alley-oop finishes also count) are not yet confirmed by an authoritative source, so the core rule — only dunks score — is the safe assumption. It’s also possible this is the same round as the officially named Dunkfest described from a different angle — if you can confirm the in-game label, tell us.

How to Play a Dunks-Only Round

Spacing matters more than ever, but only to create driving lanes. Attack gaps off the dribble, use ball screens to spring a cutter loose, and prioritize lobs and putbacks. On defense, pack the paint and wall up the rim — your opponent is forced into the exact same dunk-or-bust gameplan, so contesting finishes is the whole job.

Draft Implications

This is the round that punishes shooter-heavy rosters the hardest. If your draft has no reliable rim finisher, Dunks Only can end a run on the spot. Keep at least one elite dunker on your squad so a random Dunks-Only round doesn’t become an automatic loss.