If you're new to the NBA 2K series for the first time this year, you'll no doubt be looking for some Tips and Tricks. We have put together some tips that will help you get started in NBA 2K22 and help show you how to master the court.
Use the Right Stick on Defense
You may find that on offense, you're struggling to blow past opponents, both against the CPU and offline. However, players are dribbling right past you when defending your basket like you're not even there. The best way to lock down opponents in NBA 2K22 is to ensure you adopt a low defensive stance with the L2 trigger and then hold directly up on the right stick. This will help you hold up any dribblers, reducing the likelihood of you getting beaten by them. It would help if you were aggressive — position your body close to them — and keep your thumb on the right stick, holding it up. You'll find this simple adjustment will make you much better on offense immediately.
Switching Defenses
Defense mechanics have become the main concern with the new iteration of the famous basketball franchise. Even in this situation, communication is critical. Players who have been dribbled past by the opposition and don't have a chance to recover should move to the side of the court or the corner and let their defensive partner take over at the center. This will keep the play switched up and might confuse the opposition to make changes on the fly. Moreover, switching over to the corner means that other opposition players will not have the chance to try and shoot three-pointers from the periphery.
Defensive Awareness
Defensive awareness in NBA 2K22 is a must, as the game's defense mechanisms have been completely revamped. A defensive center builds with less agility will not reach the faster forwards or will not react to a shot on time if the gap in overalls is too high.
Transition Defending
They were defending when the transition is an essential aspect of the game, especially if players are clogging the middle of the court. When all the players are concentrating on the center of the court, it is easier for the opposition players to transition into a counter, thanks to the enormous space they can find on the periphery.
Players have to fill the lanes based on the position that they started with. Any point guard worth their salt will know that they have to occupy the middle of the court and help during transitions. Other players such as shooters should be in the front of the attack and drift wide to find more space for shooting.
Stick to your Matchup
While defending, the most important thing is that you stick to the player in front of you. The computer might tell you to do other things like helping some different position but ignore all that and never leave your matchup. Defending will become very easy for you if you follow this tip.
Change Your Shot Meter Color
By default, the new Shot Meter in NBA 2K22 is much more readable than its predecessor in NBA 2K21. However, it can still be difficult to green shots, especially if you sit at a distance from your television. The best solution is to change your Shot Meter Color to Red or Blue, whatever works best for you. This is because you'll be able to visualize the timing much easier, as the colors clash with the default settings. To change the Shot Meter Color, go to Settings > Shot Meter Color and experiment. You'll find that you're able to hit greens more regularly with a bit of tinkering.
Don't change Jump Shots
Many players change their jump shots every season, and in doing so, they become less consistent scorers. You should avoid frequently changing your jumps. Instead, find the NBA player you are most comfortable with and add their jump to your player. Then practice with it and stick to it to become a much better scorer.
Practice the Dribble
In NBA 2K22, Dribbling requires a lot of practice, and you have to pick your favorite dribbler and hit 2k U to practice your chain shots and overall flow of your dribble. If you cannot chain your dribbles properly, then this playstyle is not suited for you.
Boxing Out The Opposition
If the player's team does not have the ball, they should start boxing out the players from the opposition team as soon as possible. Not only does this reduce the options that the opposition has for playing, but it also cuts down the different passing lanes. The opposition will then have to either maintain position or be forced to make errors in the offense.
Understanding How to Cover Your Opponent
The most important thing is understanding how to cover your opponent. At the start of the defensive phase, each player is given a man-to-man defense. As a result, it is your responsibility to defend your guy and not let them have any free space, depending on who you choose. Time your jumps and block attempts as well. If you jump, or attempt a steal, and miss, you have now given your opponent a large window of opportunity to make a play, as you need to recover from your unfortunate mistake.
Forcing Turnovers
In basketball, forcing turnovers is a crucial part of the game. Because of this, the traditional steal is one of the most exciting defensive plays. Press Square (PS) & X (Xbox) to extend your hand and reach for the ball. Be careful, though. If you spam the steal button, you risk being called for a reach-in foul. Try and only go for the steal against a player who doesn't have excellent handling or while they're in the act of passing the ball. Even just one or two stolen possessions can be the difference between winning and losing the game.
Box Out on Rebounds and Free Throws
Speaking of rebounds, make it easier on yourself. The defense will be in a better position to rebound the ball more often than not. When you are, hold L2 / LB to box your guy out and either pave the way for your players to grab it or go and get it yourself (especially if you're the center).
Get Back on the Fast Break
Speaking of fast breaks, don't lollygag on the turn of possession. If your teammate misses a shot and you can't get the rebound, start running down to the other end of the court. And when you make the shot, don't sit around celebrating when the point guard is about to take the ball right back in the other direction.
Though these tips are relatively beginner-friendly, every NBA 2K22 player could use them. Please note that our NBA 2K22 guide is currently a work in progress, so feel free to visit here and check back regularly for more updates and helpful content. Or you can also get cheap NBA 2k22 mt from here while enjoying fast, safe, and high-quality service.