The latest game in 2K Games' basketball franchise,NBA 2K21has tons of players heading out onto the virtual court to play matches. With most sports on hiatus in various ways due to the pandemic, even more fans than ever are using the game as a way to interact with their favorite sport.
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“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” This quote from Micheal Jordan may be inspirational but it’s easier to improve by knowing how to avoid mistakes in the first place. With a bit of knowledge going in, players can find themselves thriving on the courts ofNBA 2K21.
10Not Practicing Taking Shots
Pro basketball playerspractice their shooting skills every day so players wanting to succeed should do the same. Unlike previous titles, there is a new shot meter inNBA 2K21that requires some precise work with the Pro Stick to get right.
It takes a while to get the timing just right so players should be sure to practice. Plus, completing shooting challenges in MyCourt can help players get free VC which is incredibly useful in the game.
9Keeping The Shot Meter On
Many players are finding that keeping the new Shot Meter on in the game actually makes timing harder as it’s a bit distracting on screen. It’s also more reminiscent of older games in the series so those who have been playing for a while will find this more enjoyable. Players can find the Shot Meter Options by scrolling down in the main menu.
8Not Knowing Players Hot Zones
While Steve Kerr is known for having one of the best three-point averages, Jose Calderon is the best free thrower of all time. Each of these players would haveadvantages and disadvantages on the court, and these things are programmed intoNBA 2K21.
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The developers of2K21decided to majorly buff hot spots in the game so knowing where they are for each player is vital in getting the most out of any team. It’s good to hit up Practice Mode to try and gain some muscle memory on where to shoot to make scoring points more consistent.
7Not Taking Clean Shots
Players taking shots while heavily defended willfind themselves disappointedwhen they totally miss. It’s important to take clean shots as while the person behind the controller can see the hoop, the player on the court cannot with bodies in front of their face.
Hitting L1/LB will call for friendly players to provide a screen, which can make taking a clean shot much easier.
6Not Posting Up
The best offense is a good defense so it’s important to know how to avoid it to still get shots in. Pressing L2/LT allows players to post up by turning their back to the defender.
Especially with powerful players on the court, this will also push defenders back, which can allow for a quick moment to take a shot at the hoop. Just be careful — defenders can use the same button press to make their defense more intense as well.
5Not Standing Your Ground
Penalties are just as important in virtual basketball as they are in real life. It is possible to force an opponent to get an offensive foul by holding Circle/B, which makes defenders plant their feet when they are rushing the net. This can be a great way to get possession of the ball back.
This won’t always work to get the foul, but it’s certainly worth trying as it’s a great way to get back on offense quickly.
4Not Caring About Badges
Knowing what badges players have is vital to getting the most out of any situation. They change the playstyle that works best, so fans need to choose wisely when picking which ones they wish to use for their MyPlayer characters. It does take VC to build up stats in The Neighborhood, so it makes it that much more important to choose smart badges from the get-go.
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Those who have it hard getting shot timings right should make sure to pick up Pro Touch. Those who want to play a shorter player should make sure to grab Giant Slayer as it makes them unstoppable against the tallest defenders. Fans should pick badges to best suit the playstyle of the character they want to see on the court.
3Not Understanding Dribbling
There are 32 different controls that affect dribbling inNBA 2K21and it can take a lot of time to learn them all. Still, those that want to really trip up their opponents should make sure to do so.
Two moves that are particularly effective are the Behind the Lower Back and the Splitter. Start with mastering these and build on up towards knowing when all the other moves work best.
2Not Knowing How To Pass Well
Whenpeople in sports moviessay “get back to the fundamentals,” they are actually providing some seriously good advice. Hitting up Practice mode to learn how to do it right is vital to finding success.
Learning how to use a pump fake just like a pro baller will throw opponents off guard and make it easier to make breakaways towards the hoop. Clear shots are always easier to make after all!
1Not Knowing How To Grind For VC
Those that preorderedNBA 2K21were able to get 100,000 VC right off the bat, but even then, this in-game currency is important enough that players should know how to get it quickly withoutspending real-life cash.
verify to correctly answer questions during episodes of 2KTV as well as taking the Daily Spin in Jeff’s Arcade, as these are excellent ways to gain VC. Still, playing in MyCareer and The Neighborhood is by far the most effective and fun.
