Master the Pick and Roll in NBA 2K25

Dec-03-2024 PST Category: NBA 2K25
The pick and roll has been a cornerstone of basketball strategy both in real life and in the virtual courts of NBA 2K25. While the basics are easy to grasp, mastering advanced techniques can give you an edge, making it harder for opponents to counter your plays. Whether you're grinding for in-game rewards or looking to dominate online matchups, these underrated pick-and-roll tips can help you elevate your game to the next level.

 

Maximize Your Gameplay with Pass Leading

 

Pass leading is a game-changer in NBA 2K25, letting you control where your teammates go and setting up better scoring opportunities. It's not just about passing; it's about directing traffic on the court to open up space. Here's how you can incorporate pass leading effectively:

 

    Activate Player Icons

        Press R1 (PlayStation) or RB (Xbox) to bring up the player icons.

    Aim and Pass

        Use the left stick to guide your teammate into a favorable position and then press their icon to deliver the pass.

 

By combining pass leading with the pick and roll, you can transform a basic play into a lethal scoring option. For example:

 

    If your roll man is a shooter, you can aim the pass to pull them to the three-point line for a jumper.

    Conversely, if they excel in mid-range shots, you can stop their dive and position them for a clean look.

 

The flexibility of pass leading makes it indispensable when running a dynamic offense.

 

Exploit Pick and Fade Opportunities

 

The pick and fade is often underused, but when executed properly, it's devastating. Here's how you can maximize its potential:

 

    After setting the screen, watch how the defenders react. If they commit too aggressively to the ball handler, your big man can fade to the perimeter for an open shot.

    Hold Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PlayStation) to send your screener cutting to the basket if defenders overcommit on the perimeter closeout.

 

Timing is critical here. Wait for the defense to commit before making your move, catching them out of position for an easy basket.

 

Stay Patient in the Paint

 

When attacking the rim with your roll man, patience is your best weapon. The hedge defender often expects an immediate pass to the rolling player. But if you pause for just a second, their overcommitment can leave you with an easy lane or an open shot. This small adjustment in timing can disrupt defensive patterns and give you a massive advantage near the hoop.

 

Switch Sides and Keep Defenders Guessing

 

One of the simplest ways to confuse defenders—especially human opponents—is to switch the side of the screen at the last moment. Here's how to do it effectively:

 

    Start by calling for a pick-and-roll using L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox).

    Flick the left stick to reverse the direction of the screen just before the play begins.

 

This tactic forces defenders to adjust on the fly, often leading to mismatches or hesitation, creating clear driving lanes or uncontested shots.

 

Pick and Roll to the Empty Side

 

To create quick scoring opportunities, run the pick and roll toward the sideline rather than the center of the court. Here's how:

 

    Direct the screener toward the sideline by holding L1/LB and flicking the left stick in that direction.

    This setup reduces the number of defenders in the immediate area, giving you more room to operate.

 

If executed correctly, this play can result in wide-open shots or easy drives to the basket.


Quick Pick and Rolls: Speed Is Key

 

A quick pick and roll after passing the ball can leave your opponents scrambling. This works especially well when you've just passed with your Power Forward or Center:

 

    Hold L1/LB immediately after the pass to call for a screen.

    The speed of this play keeps defenders on their toes and prevents them from setting up properly.

 

Quick pick and rolls are especially effective in fast-paced games or against opponents who rely on aggressive defensive setups.

 

Unlock the Potential of Guard-to-Guard Screens

 

Most players overlook the power of guard-to-guard screens, but these plays can create devastating mismatches. Faster guards and shooters make this tactic particularly effective:

 

    Use the screen to switch defenders and isolate a slower opponent against your speedier guard.

    Combine this with a pick-and-fade to create even more opportunities for open shots or drives to the rim.

 

This tactic adds unpredictability to your offense, catching opponents off guard and giving you a valuable edge.

 

Building the Perfect Team for Pick and Roll Domination

 

Running the pick and roll effectively is much easier when you have the right players. With 2K25 MT, you can buy players who excel in this playstyle, whether it's a dominant big man like Nikola Jokic or a guard like Stephen Curry who thrives in pick-and-roll scenarios.

 

If you don't already have the players to execute these strategies, consider using buy NBA 2K25 MT services to acquire the top-tier talent you need. Investing in versatile guards and skilled big men will help you dominate in both single-player modes and competitive online matches.

 

Conclusion

 

The pick and roll is one of the most versatile plays in NBA 2K25, but to truly dominate, you need to move beyond the basics. By mastering techniques like pass leading, quick pick-and-rolls, and guard-to-guard screens, you can outsmart defenders and control the game. And with 2K25 MT, you can build a team capable of running these advanced strategies to perfection.

 

Whether you're grinding in MyTeam or competing online, don't hesitate to buy NBA 2K25 MT to assemble a lineup that fits your playstyle. With the right players and these advanced tips, you'll be unstoppable on the court.