Basketball is a really crafty sport, especially on the offensive end. Over the years, we’ve seen some spectacular offensive players in the NBA, whether they’re dominating with their scoring or playmaking and giving defenses headaches.
Some of the truly great scorers figure out how to get a bucket at all costs and pull off any kind of incredible move to get that basket. A guy like Steph Curry has ridiculous range, but he can easily use his ball-handling skills to blow by defenders and get some baskets on the inside. Same thing with someone like Nikola Jokic. Has a nice mix of range and strong, crafty post moves to get his points and help his squad.
Just like in real basketball, NBA 2K26 lets you score in a multitude of ways. However, a lot of players will utilize the same couple of ways to score, which is fine, of course, but if you’re looking to expand your scoring repertoire, then there are some other ways to get buckets, whether you’re using a guard or big in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, The City, or just good old Play Now.
Post Hook
A popular move for most bigs throughout NBA history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who dominated the sport with his famed Skyhook. Today’s bigs like Nikola Jokic continue to make the post hook a big part of their game and can be very effective in NBA 2K26 as well.
Most post hook animations allow you to gain some separation from your defender. This will give you a great look at a close, clean basket. It’s a move that isn’t used all that often in Park games throughout NBA 2K history. And usually, when you do see someone use it, they’re masters at it.
But, if you want to do a post hook yourself, simply move the right stick to either the upper right or upper left while backing down your opponent. In the past, you would just pull up with the right stick, but now that makes you do a post go-to shot instead. Speaking of which, you can grab a lengthier version of Kareem’s skyhook as a post go-to shot if you so wish.
The Floater
Although the floater is most popular with guards, it’s a move that can be effective for any player on the court, no matter the position. This shot is nearly unblockable, as when you use it, the ball will soar high in the air right out of the player’s hand. Floaters don’t give defenders much of a shot at going for a block.
Yes, of course, they can get blocked, but not easily. The best bet to defending it is just simply staying as close to your man as possible and hoping he misses. But if you want to add the floater to your arsenal in NBA 2K26, then all you have to do is pull down with the right stick as you go towards the basket. Just make sure you don’t have your finger on the sprint button.
Reverse Layups/Dunks
Players love driving to the hoop in NBA 2K26, whether it’s a buttery smooth layup finish or a ferocious dunk. Even with shooting being easier than in the past 2Ks, finishing at the rim is still a very popular way to get buckets on the court.
Another way you can take advantage of this is by going for reverse layups and dunks. In the real NBA, these are always crowd pleasers. Not only that, they can also be quite effective. They’re hard to defend since players essentially use the rim as a shield from defenders who are trying to block from behind.
It’s the same way in NBA 2K26. Now, just like with any kind of shot, it can be defended; it’s quite difficult, especially since it happens so fast. And that’s just talking about reverse layups, so doing reverse dunks can be really dangerous.
Up And Under Moves
This is another one for the bigs, though small forwards and guards with good post attributes can go for this as well. It’s fair to say that nobody in NBA history mastered the art of up-and-under moves quite like Hakeem Olajuwon. His devastating Dream Shake would cook any defender in the paint.
You can do similar moves in NBA 2K26, and you can actually get Hakeem’s Dream Shake as a post go-to shot as well. But, if you aren’t using a post go-to shot, then you can do your own up and under move by pump faking a post fade and then immediately move the right stick in any direction to put up a shot right near the basket.
It’s obviously a bit more technical, but it’s fun to do if you can nail it down. Work on it in your MyCOURT or head to the Freestyle mode in Learn 2K and try it with your favorite NBA big. This move can also lead to fouls. Although there are no free throws in modes like Park and Theater, it can get defenders in foul trouble and get them kicked from the game. And of course, if you’re playing Rec or NBA games, you will indeed get your free throws if defenders take the bait.
Post Fades
Post fades are used a bit more frequently than the other moves we mentioned in NBA 2K26. That said, they still aren’t used all that much. And post fades are among the most iconic moves in NBA history, with legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki perfecting this beautiful shot.
Just like with post hooks, the fades can help you get separation from your defender, making them difficult to guard. And if you’re great at them, you can potentially be a nightmare for defenses in NBA 2K26. It looks great, it’s satisfying to hit, and of course, they can help your squad.
And just like with a couple of other moves we mentioned, anyone can pull off a post fade, no matter what position you’re playing. We just listed two guards and one power forward/center who were incredible at post fades. It’s the same for today’s NBA, with guys like Nikola Jokic and NBA 2K26 cover star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being big names who pull off this move effectively. To do a post fade in NBA 2K26, you need to back down your opponent and then hold the right stick to the right or left.
