Here’s How to Defend in "NBA 2K19" (Because Admitting You Need Help Is the First Step)

This article is a safe space.

We’ve shown you how to shoot in NBA 2K19.

We’ve also shown you how to dunk in NBA 2K19.

But what if you keep getting dunked on, and are continually denied your shot, accumulating double-digit thrashings from the CPU (or, even worse, your trash-talking friends)?

Congrats. You have discovered the key to a good offense is a better defence. (Yes, we know the saying is actually "the best defence is a good offense", but in basketball, the opposite is true. Don’t believe us? Ask the Cavs.)

If you don’t know how to stop your opposition from scoring, it won’t matter how many times you’re able to put the ball in the basket; you’ll never close the ever-widening margin between your teams.

So, here are the all the moves you need to memorise to ensure you can actually win at NBA 2K19.

The Essential Rule:

First and foremost, stay on your man. This doesn’t involve any particular button-mashing. Just stick to your opposing player, even if they don’t have the ball, otherwise they’ll break away and find themselves all alone in the key, ready to score. If you’re desperate to track the ball, swap players.

On-Ball Defence:

There are four key defensive moves you need to know before you over-complicate matters.

Intense-D: The first move is to get into a low defensive stance, creating an intimidating semi-circle around the opposing player with the ball. Do this by pressing and holding L2 on PS4 or LT on Xbox One.

Crowd Dribbler: If you want to minimise the opposing dribbler’s space on the court, crowd them by pressing and holding L2 on PS4 or LT on Xbox One, and moving towards them with the left thumbstick.

Hands Up: Move and hold the right thumbstick up to add further pressure by sticking your paw right in the opponent’s face.

Hands Out: Similarly, move and hold the right thumbstick to the left or right to put your hands out. These last two moves will attempt to stop the opponent from shooting over you or making a fast break.

Blocking a Shot:

Those defensive moves, however, may not be enough to keep the other team from taking a shot. This is where you need to learn how to block, though, be warned: you’re about to start tempting fate, as these moves can result in a foul if not timed correctly.

Block: The classic. When near the shooter, hit Triangle on PS4 or Y on Xbox One.

Vertical Contest: If the regular block won't do, hold the left thumbstick back from the shooter while pressing Triangle on PS4 or Y on Xbox One, to add height.

Swat Block: This is more essential if the shooter is in motion and/or you want to replicate LeBron James’ Game 7-saving swat from the 2017 Finals. Hold R2 on the PS4 or RT on Xbox One to sprint towards the shooter; then press Triangle on PS4 or Y on Xbox One to smack the ball away.

Stealing the Ball:

Maybe you just want to take the ball out of your opponent’s hands. Understandable. The refs, however, may not be so forgiving. Though these turnover moves are legal, you’ll have to play them just right, or face a foul. Try to only steal while the other player is dribbling, rather than when they’re holding or about to shoot.

Press Square on the PS4 or X on Xbox One to steal. If you’re already up close and on-ball, move the right thumbstick down and quickly release.

Being a Bit Cheeky:

Want to annoy the other team or maybe get them fouled? Try these on for size.

Take Charge: As a dribbler approaches, press and hold Circle on PS4 or B on Xbox One to stand stiff, and you could find yourself on the right side of a charging foul.

Flop: If the opponent’s getting a bit too close, double tap Circle on PS4 or B on Xbox One and you’ll fall to the floor, World Cup style! Look at this egregious multi-flop display, by yours truly:

There are more defensive moves to learn and unlock, which you can find in the game’s controller settings. But if you can memorise the above 10 tricks, you’ll have a sporting chance against any comers.

Here’s How to Defend in "NBA 2K19" (Because Admitting You Need Help Is the First Step)