Playing Good Defense in NBA 2K15 is as Important as Good Offense

Feature Article

Submitted on: 12/25/2014 by Ben Vollmer

NBA 2K15 remains one of the few sports games on the market that requires immense attention to succeed on the defensive side of the basketball. With players generally playing like their real-life counterparts, strategic matchups and specific defensive attacks are imperative to success. With that said, here are five ways you can get better at defense in NBA 2K15:

1. Know the Plan: One thing I've always found to be helpful is to get an idea of what I want to do in a game before I play it.

For instance, last night I was playing a Drummond-less Pistons team. I put all my efforts into stopping Monroe, and what I got was a 10-24 night from the field, and a six point victory. I even used a heavier front-court rotation, letting players like Kyle O'Quinn and Aaron Gordon get a lot of playtime to keep everyone fresh on the defensive end.

2. Find your Lockdown Defender: The hardest thing in any sports game is to find the players that fit what you want to do. In this case, elite NBA defenders are at a premium. If you can find one that works for you, don't be afraid to give up an offensive heavy player like Tyreke Evans or Eric Gordon for an Arron Afflalo or someone else of his caliber.

3. Pick a Defender: So this is something beginners can try out until they get the hang of things. I've found an easy way to learn defense is to pick a single player (usually a long power-forward or center) and focus on defending with them. This will go a long way in helping you learn basic one-on-one defense and won't hurt your team too much if you feel outmatched.

4. Stay on the Ground: The natural impulse is to jump around and swat shots. Don't. Keep yourself grounded and force the CPU to take the much more difficult outside shot.

5. Don't Reach: Again, NBA 2K15 isn't your run-of-the-mill sports title. It's going to punish you for doing silly things like reaching inside over and over again, especially if you play with proper foul sliders. Instead, focus on staying in front of the defender and getting your steals from the passing lanes.

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Member Comments

# 21 grodbetatted @ 12/26/14 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadymamba


	Nice Tips! - but man between running through screens and feeling like you're on skates its pretty tough - I haven't played outside of my career - so that's why i brought up screens also "try" to read the ball handlers direction if the ball is in the right hand that's where he is going if you can get a good read on it and hope he doesn't cross you over to the 3rd row you can stay in front of him a little - it is quite challenging - did i mention the skates LOL

Yea the skates in this game is ridiculous... But 2k has never been know for footplanting

# 22 rkocjay @ 12/26/14 09:52 PM

i have to learn to follow tips #4,5 but my biggest issue is what camera to view because the broadcast camera makes it hard to defend when the ball is on the corner three point line(by the player bench). Also when they start passing the ball around quickly i cant keep up. I dont know if its me or the fact im using the Lakers i kinda blame both lol

# 23 BluFu @ 12/26/14 10:28 PM

its hard to play consistent D when the safest form of contesting shots (hands up) puts you at a high risk of sending the offensive player to the line.

# 24 Flocka412burr @ 12/26/14 11:37 PM

@dirtysoufreppin

He's 1000% right dead on about everything. Because that's how the nba is. A game of adjustments mismatches momentum and advantages. You have to find your own type of style and gameplay just like as if you were a real coach and u took over a team you would have to implement you type of game. Whether that be a fast paced up and down trap type team or the slow paced methodical team. There are multiple types of game styles and methods it's just simply about figuring out which suites you best. Then you would want to try to craft and mold a team that would fit your style to the perfectly

# 25 Flocka412burr @ 12/26/14 11:40 PM

And stop saying it feels like your constantly on skates. Learn the controls an understand the players your using. And it feels like your on skates evaluate you probably had zero confidence in your user defense so your try to make up a flaw in the game. No you my friend are just simply not good at defense so don't try to hinder the views for other people and differ then from the game by saying the user defense is 'broken' because it's not

# 26 Flocka412burr @ 12/26/14 11:42 PM

And stop saying it feels like your constantly on skates. Learn the controls an understand the players your using. And it feels like your on skates because you probably have zero confidence in your user defense so your try to make up a flaw in the game. No you my friend are just simply not good at defense so don't try to hinder the views for other people and differ then from the game by saying the user defense is 'broken' because it's not

# 27 SolidSquid @ 12/27/14 12:51 AM

So what are the controls to not feel on skates them?

# 28 nova91 @ 12/27/14 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSquid


	So what are the controls to not feel on skates them?

There are none. These were some of the same issues that occurred on last gen and unfortunately still occur on this gen. If you couple that with the overall sluggishness of input execution, it leaves you out of position when attempting to make even the slightest of movements.

# 29 bcbowles @ 12/27/14 11:09 PM

If your playing simulation the cpu is going to score there points, you just have to be able to keep up and hope that your skill as a user can outplay them for a stretch or the end of the game.

# 30 SebJeff @ 12/29/14 06:20 AM

I play off ball D - must be a cheeser. Some of you dudes need to get a grip, its a game. One people are free to play however they like. Sim elitists strike again.

# 31 DaImmaculateONe @ 12/29/14 07:09 AM

Funny how they got rid of the colored circle that used to show up under your opponent to see the actual guy they where using on defense. Cheesers influence?

# 32 DBMcGee3 @ 12/29/14 09:50 AM

My biggest problem with defense is the CPU failing to recognize when to switch, whether in pick and rolls, transition, back screens or whatever. Once that happens, I find myself scrambling to plug holes, and inevitably someone is wide open under the basket. Even when I set my preferences to Switch on picks, the players don't usually follow those instructions consistently, so you never have that feeling of trust with your teammates. There's only a few times a game where I truly find it frustrating, but in a close game it's obviously much harder to take.

For me, the biggest keys to defending are:

1) Never jump for blocks unless you're defending an open layup. Otherwise, you'll be watching a lot of FTAs all game, especially since the patch.

2) Never reach unless you're a small guarding a big.

3) Don't rely on the LT defensive help. I find it significantly slows my player down laterally, so I really just use it when I think my opponent's about to shoot.

4) Always immediately switch to a rebounder after every shot. This is really hard to focus on for a full game, but it helps immensely if you can train yourself to do it consistently.

5) On PnR defense, I always control the big man. It allows me to try and clog passing lanes, while still hopefully blocking the PGs path to the lane. Doesn't always work, but I've had better luck with that than trying to fight through screens with the small guy.

6) When guarding someone who is driving, try to pick a spot likely in their path and beat them to it. I'm more than willing to give them space for a jumper, rather than trying to stay 2 inches away and letting them turn the corner on me time and time again.

Just things that work for me, but everyone plays differently.

# 33 BezO @ 12/29/14 11:33 AM

Question for folks... I hope I'm missing something

Is it possible to look at my opponent's individual player ratings after starting a game? If so, how/where?

When adjusting my defensive settings, there are players I'm just not that familiar with, and thus don't know how to defend them until after they've done some damage.

# 34 trandoanhung1991 @ 12/29/14 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	Question for folks... I hope I'm missing something Is it possible to look at my opponent's individual player ratings after starting a game? If so, how/where? When adjusting my defensive settings, there are players I'm just not that familiar with, and thus don't know how to defend them until after they've done some damage.

Box score -> Choose player - Click right stick.

# 35 Lukin4 @ 01/02/15 03:54 AM

I only ever control the C on defense, have done that since I got right into CH 2k8 and just continued doing so once I started with 2k11 and since. I can play on ball just fine, but prefer sticking with one player and patrolling the paint. Gotta love being told you're playing the game the wrong way though, because you know, it's just a game after all hehe

# 36 bo_jax2000 @ 01/02/15 04:29 AM

Spoiler

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo_jax2000


	i play with default rosters and superstar sim sliders. i don't believe this issue has anything to do with bad 2k rosters or sliders. i'm not a defensive "expert" but i've been able to slow the computer when it comes to points in the paint. notice i said "slow" and not "stop". these tips should also work against human players as well. 1. know the player you are defending. if the player isn't known for being a great jump shooter, back off. no need to play too tight. give them the open shot. if they make it, fine. i would rather give up the shot, then have them drive the paint. you can still challenge the shot if you don't back too far off. it's just the opposite for great jump shooters. play tight but also respect their ability to drive. don't take anything for granted. 2. don't be afraid to switch to the next closet defender if the first player gets beat. you have four other players, use them. these are "virtual" nba players so they should be able to get by one on one defense. unless you have a lock down defender. 3. learn to use the shading feature in the game. by shading right or left, you control which direction the ball handler will go. knowing the direction that they should take makes it easier on defense. no more guessing. shade them to where you help defense (or next closet defender) is. you can also use the sideline as an extra defender. also double teams can be effective near the sideline. 4. right stick (hands up) defense + intense defense to challenge shots. i have seen more shots missed by using this combination. i actually don't even go for blocks. just try to make the shot as tough as possible. leaving your feet to block leaves you vulnerable to pump fakes and can also create more driving space for your opponent. 5. intense defense (LT) + right trigger (turbo) = quick shuffle movement. use it to keep up with the ball handler. this works hand in hand with number 2 + 3. keep in mind that by using turbo your players will tire faster. so learn when to use it. use the left thumbstick to move your player while using the quick shuffle movement. try to beat you opponent to the spot forcing them to use other options. using the left trigger + right trigger can also make it easier to box out for defensive rebounds. the left trigger (box out) is already being pressed, you just have to icon switch to the player with the best position. or box out the other teams best rebounder, allowing your other teammates a chance for the rebound. you must keep your opponent boxed out throughout the whole rebounding process. they will try to get around you. 6. take smart shots. don't try to force offense. work the ball while looking for the best possible shot. bad shots and uneven offense can leave you out of position in transition defense. cuts down on fastbreak points and points in the paint opportunities for the opposing teams. 7. learn when to bring the double team. as soon as you call for the double team, make note of who the open player is. your opponent should make the smart pass to the open man. be ready to icon switch to your defender that is closet to that player. playing good "team" defense can be rewarding. it creates turnovers for you leading to fastbreak chances and momentum. 8. use the OTF (on the fly) quick defense options (defend the paint, play tight on shooters, etc.) i'm not talking about the settings in the defensive matchup screens (although they can be used as well). use each option at various points during the game. keeping your opponent off balance. throw in a little zone every now and then. i mainly use the 2-3 (defending the paint) or 3-2 (defending against the 3 point shot) zone after a made free throw. your defenders should be in position by the time the offense comes down court. the reason i don't use the settings in the defense matchup screen is to keep the opponent guessing. those settings never change. if your opponent knows exactly how you are playing them, they have the advantage. 9. know the team you are playing and defend accordingly. you wouldn't defend a 3 point shooting team the same as a team that is strong in the paint. even throughout the game, know who is on the floor. pay attention to substitutions. adjust your defense to the players on the court. 10. personally, i say leave the sliders alone. learn to play the game as it was meant to be played. i'm sure when 2k tested (designed) the game it was to be played using the slider sets they made (default, sim, ******). by adjusting sliders you are changing things without knowing how they affect other dynamics of the game. even a "simple" change could have adverse effects. i like the fact that the game is challenging. your opponent should attack the paint if you don't adjust. i actually lose more than i win, but as long as i'm playing "sim" basketball, i'm ok with it. at the end of the day, it's just a game. i play to have fun. i'm not looking for perfection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo_jax2000


	if you play on ball defense, i would try conservative defense as your defensive POE while changing your flex POE based on what is happening on the court. ex. getting beat inside (nothing inside), giving up too many threes (limit perimeter shots), getting beat in transition (limit transition), giving up offensive rebounds (crash defensive glass). you can also change your flex POE based on the opposing teams lineup. ex. you don't need to "limit perimeter shots" if your opponent doesn't have three point shooters in the lineup. keep an eye on lineup changes and adjust your POE. with conservative defense, your defenders will play loose (they should be in position to defend the drive). while playing on ball defense, you will have to switch (once the pass is made) and close out on shooters manually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo_jax2000


	Defense This gives the user a quick access to setting up the Defensive Settings on the fly: Pressure Shooters � for opposing players good at med/long range shots; tight onball, deny ball, go over screens, hedge on screens Lock Down Paint � double down in the post for all players, go under screens Focus on Stars � for opposing star players; always double, tight onball, deny ball Constant Pressure � double team on drive for guards, double team in post for bigs, play tight on stars, go over screens, hard hedge Those used to be the settings for defensive quick plays before POE. Try to make these adjustments in your individual defensive settings. Combined with the POE, it should help your defense.

..........

# 37 xfjj @ 01/02/15 10:20 AM

I like these tips. I reach I lot because I can't seem to get lane steals . My guy always reacts weirdly like he catches the it doesn't , or I get tipped pass and it goes right to the offense

# 38 Vast @ 01/08/15 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grodbetatted


	Mixing on ball and off ball is one thing, but blatantly telling people to play off ball defense is flat out lazy defense. That is horrible. If you are gonna play off ball defense because you can't stick with your guy you need to work on your defense not play more off ball. Off ball should be a last resort style defense or switch to a guy right before they pass for a steal not 100% of the time

This line of thinking baffles me. What are u soo worried about? Why can't i use the center and stick with him(I don't really do that cuz I still get torched). are u worried that i might try to play help defense and block the shot? The game has evolved to the point where u have to pick ur poison.
If i switch to a perimeter on-ball defender while the ball handler is making a move, he's gonna blow right by me.

# 39 yungsta404 @ 01/08/15 06:51 PM

I can exploit most guys who only control their bigs just by running pick and roll/pick and pop with the man they are guarding.

# 40 Vast @ 01/09/15 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yungsta404


	I can exploit most guys who only control their bigs just by running pick and roll/pick and pop with the man they are guarding.

Yes, Exactly. You should use what ever style of defense you prefer, unless you're trying to take advantage of a glitch or exploit.

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