NBA 2K returns with reimagined features and enhanced visuals to appeal to both new players and returning fans.
Get a grip on the ball and heat up with this NBA 2K20 beginner's guide to claim the court with flawless shots and impenetrable defense. The first stride toward the NBA 2K League is less of a slam dunk and more of a layup.
Offense: Nothing But Net
Offense is all about points. It’s critical to master the basics to outscore your opponent. Shoot, dribble, and pass at the most opportune times to ensure victory!
Watch The Shot Meter and Go for Green
Make it rain with several types of shots. Memorize the controls and timing to consistently land your layups, jump shots, and more.
The shot meter defaults to an arrow that curves upward beside your arm when you shoot. However, you can also change the Controller Settings if you're more comfortable with it next to your feet. Move the right stick in the direction of your shot and hold it until the meter changes to green.
Perfect the timing to go from Shaq to Jordan at long-range.
An open shot is easier in reality and in-game is no different. Avoid contested shots, or shooting in front of defenders, to increase the odds of sinking the rock. Give yourself room and let loose before the opponent rushes to cover you. Pass the ball to a teammate or dribble into a more advantageous position whenever you're surrounded.
The more players covering you, the bigger the cracks elsewhere on the court. See the seams to drive and drain for the dream.
Dribble to Avoid Quibble
Moving targets are harder to track. Dribbling increases ball possession, decreases steals, and gives you ample opportunity to break away from even the most daunting full-court press. Channel your inner Harlem Globetrotter to pull off ankle breakers, triple threats, and more!
There's No P in Team, but there is One in Pass
All-stars can carry entire teams alongside the rock on their back, but spreading the success is simpler and almost necessary on the virtual court. Tilt your left stick in the direction of your teammate and hit X to do a traditional pass. More precise players might want to use Icon Passing since they can easily pass to specific players without wondering which direction they're in.
Icon Passing is assigning buttons to specific teammates. Press their button and you'll pass to the corresponding player. Hold R1 to show which player is mapped to what button mid-game to never misinput.
Pass with the left stick when there's a clear path to other players. Passing to a specific player can be tricky if multiple teammates are huddled in one area, making Icon Passing even more desirable to avoid flubs.
Defense: Mano-a-Mano
Defense is just as important, if not more important than offense. Apply pressure with the proper defense to get in your opponent's head and make them commit more mistakes. Shut down strategies and steal the ball.
Adjust Defensive Settings
Adjust your Defensive Settings, like On-Ball and Off-Ball Pressure, to round out your defense based on your playstyle. Access these options at any time in the pause menu, although you should settle on settings before taking the court against other people.
Play around with these settings and more in the pause menu under Game Plan then Defensive Settings.
On-Ball and Off-Ball Pressure determine how much space your defense will leave between their match-ups. You’ll only be able to control one player at a time while the others stick to their programmed strategy unless you're jumping into a cooperative match with other players.
Alter On-Ball Pressure to adjust space and pressure for players guarding the ball.
Off-Ball Pressure conversely changes space and pressure placed on off-ball players.
Looking to lock down the competition? Set both options to "Tight" to guard players as close as possible and pile on the pressure.
Build an Iron Wall on Ball
When your opponent has the ball, trail them, and block their path to the basket to contest their shots. If you leave your opponent with an open lane, they’ll drive to the hoop and up the score.
Remember, defenders can block and steal the ball, meaning you don't have to wait to rebound or contest shots to gain possession.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Training Mode
No one is perfect. Use 2KU Training from the Play Now section to fine-tune your technique with tutorials. Reenact offensive and defensive maneuvers to your heart’s content. Keep your heart rate down and shooting percentage up!
Practice is different than playing. Graduate to matches against the game on increasingly higher difficulties before stepping online to tip-off against the real competition.