Creating offense in NBA 2K21 can be a difficult endeavor for new players. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to make the experience easier. Considering the lengthy grind that gamers endure to level up their MyPlayer, being able to consistently score against A.I. teams in MyCareer is essential for leveling up fast and excelling in the game.
While most of these suggestions apply to online competition in the Neighborhood, real players will likely be aware of these tactics and actively try to defend against them. Nevertheless, through a combination of A.I. exploits, shrewd character customization, and classic basketball plays, gamers should have no problem piling up the points.
To Get To The Hoop: Pick And Roll
A staple of basketball gameplay, the "pick and roll" is when an off-ball player provides a screen or "pick" for a teammate, then "rolls" towards the basket. The opponent who is guarding the player who performs the pick will likely "switch" onto the teammate who was given the pick, thus creating the possibility for a clear path to the hoop, or a mismatch against a smaller or slower defender.
When attempting a pick and roll, the ideal maneuver is to look for the defender to hedge towards the player's teammate who received the screen, then call for the ball while attacking the open lane. Although the defender may still recover to contest the shot, or even intercept the pass, calling for an alley-oop while attacking a clear path to the hoop will almost always yield successful results.
To Get Threes: Pick And Pop
For gamers who prefer to get open for a jump shot rather than slash to the basket, the "pick and pop" is a simple but effective play. This play is when an off-ball player provides a screen for a teammate, then "pops" out away from the basket to get open for a shot.
When defenders see that the player they're guarding is providing a screen, they'll typically back up towards the hoop in anticipation of a slash to the paint. If the shooter pops out beyond the arc after providing the screen, there is a good chance they'll find themselves wide open for a jumper.
To Get To The Hoop: Finishing Badges
Finishing badges will boost a player's ability to score in the paint during specific circumstances in-game. While a player's attributes and skill level will be the two main factors in determining what happens on the court, badges also play a significant role.
Whether specializing in slick layups, spectacular dunks, unstoppable skyhooks, or Team Takeover, NBA 2K21 provides a wide variety of badges for an interior offense. Players should focus on leveling up the badges that fit with their playstyle, which will make it easier to earn even more badges as the game progresses.
To Get Threes: Shooting Badges
Shooting badges will boost a player's ability to shoot the ball during specific circumstances in-game. Unless a player has perfect release timing on a shot, the shot will be subject to several variables that determine its likelihood of going in the basket, and shooting badges can affect almost all of these variables.
Badges such as Range Extender, Deadeye, and Hotzone Hunter will give gamers a much easier time converting on their shots. The best badges in NBA 2K21 for shooting guards help the player become more consistent with their shots and can improve their speed and accuracy. Once players have enough shooting badges to allow them to consistently knock down shots, they may find themselves having better release timing, as they're more confident in their character's shooting ability and its augmentations.
To Get To The Hoop: Off-Ball Cuts
Off-ball cuts are when a player on the attacking team who doesn't have the ball suddenly changes speed or direction and moves to a more open spot on the court. Defenders will often be distracted by the ball carrier's actions, providing opportunities for the cutter to gain inside position on their man.
When playing as a Center or Power Forward, it can be especially difficult to shake a defender and get open. A reliable strategy for easy buckets against A.I. teams is for players to run behind the ball-handler, then sprint into open space as the defender gets caught up in the ball-handler and their defender. This opens up the opportunity for a relatively easy way to win points while the opposing team is distracted by your other teammates.
To Get Threes: Cheese The A.I.
If gamers want their MyPlayer to be an elite shooter, there's an easy way to get open shots. It takes a bit of an investment into shooting stats and badges, but once players unlock the Extended Range's Hall of Fame version, they'll be able to get open for a 3-point shot on every play.
On the lowest difficulty setting, the A.I. will rarely contest shots at a certain distance beyond the arc. Players can simply dribble to the top-left or top-right corners of the perimeter, set their feet, and take an open shot. Only guards with elite perimeter defense like Jrue Holiday will even attempt to contest shots from these spots. Although NBA 2k21's AI is a noticeable improvement over past editions, it can still be taken advantage of to score easy points.
To Get To The Hoop: Post Moves
Post moves are the various fakes and drives that players have access to when attacking the paint. If players are unable to drive into the paint for a layup or dunk, post moves can fool rim protectors into taking a foul or giving up a bucket.
On the fastbreak, trailing defenders will often attempt a chase-down block as the ball-carrier gets in the paint, and a quick pump-fake before going up with a shot is a great way to draw free throws. When posting up a defender, a spin move into an up-and-under is another great play for either getting an open shot or drawing a foul. Post moves allow the player to engage more strategically in the game and can be invaluable when facing a more seasoned opponent.
To Get Threes: Shoot Off The Dribble
Shooters who can create their own space for a shot are an invaluable asset for the best basketball teams, in both real life and NBA 2K21. Combining dribble combos and drives can fool defenders long enough to get an open shot.
When playing against A.I., a reliable move is to sprint past a defender, then step back for a shot as the defender turns to run towards the hoop. Another is to lure a defender to the top-left or top-right beyond the arc, sprint to the top of the arc, then step back or "Curry Slide" the other way just before getting to the middle. In both instances, the player is ideally set up to take the shot and gain valuable points.
To Get To The Hoop: The Right Take At The Right Time
NBA 2K21 provides an abundance of options when taking it all the way to the hoop. These options may be overwhelming for inexperienced players, who often only attempt normal layups. Aside from upgrading player attributes as fast as possible, gamers should also learn the more advanced moves to maximize their skills and be more competitive in tournaments.
Players should take advantage of 2KU, which offers the Training Game mode. This option gives gamers a chance to practice moves like runners, reverse layups, Euro-step layups, hop gathers, spin gathers, cradle layups, and flashy dunks. The different animations provided by these moves can fool defenders and help players score more often.
To Get Threes: Call For A Screen
Just as screens can provide space for the screener, they can provide even more space for the ball-handler. Players can hold L1 on the Playstation or LT on the Xbox to call for a screen from their A.I. teammates.
Once the player's defender is entangled in the screen, the player can use the time and space provided to become open for a shot. When playing against A.I. defenders, they'll almost always drop back towards the hoop in anticipation of being screened. This will yield easy opportunities for gamers to take and make open shots, which will score easy points and help secure wins in tightly contested games.