NBA 2K25: A Hooper’s Dream

The Art of Off-Ball Screens and Pick-and-Roll

If you’ve ever laced up for a real game of basketball, you know that the pick-and-roll and off-ball screens are where the magic happens. It’s that subtle dance between setting a screen, slipping it, and creating space for a shooter or an open lane to attack. As a college player myself, I’ve spent countless hours running these plays, so when I fire up NBA 2K25, I look for the same beauty in how the game handles these core elements of basketball.

The pick-and-roll isn’t just a tactic, it’s a lifestyle on the court. And in 2K25, the execution and AI decision-making around this is something special. Let’s dive into what makes off-ball screens and pick-and-rolls so satisfying in the game, and why, if you’re like me and live and breathe basketball, this matters more than you might think.

Off-Ball Screens: Where Role Players Shine

Alright, let’s start with off-ball screens. We all know that in basketball, it’s not just about the player with the ball. The real action often happens on the weak side, where shooters are running off screens and trying to get open. In NBA 2K25, this is handled beautifully, with AI players constantly moving, setting screens, and reading the defense.

I’m a huge fan of teams like the Golden State Warriors who thrive on off-ball movement. In the game, it’s almost like you can see shades of Klay Thompson running baseline, or Rip Hamilton darting through a maze of screens in those classic Pistons days. The AI does a great job of making it feel organic—your teammates don’t just stand around waiting for the ball. They’re actively working to create space, giving you passing lanes or chances to make a play off the ball.

One of my favorite things in NBA 2K25 is when I’m controlling the point guard and I run a play for a shooter. Let’s say I’m using Steph Curry (because why wouldn’t I?), and I call for him to come off a pin-down screen. The screener sets a solid pick, and as Curry makes his cut, the AI defenders react in real time. They might switch, fight through the screen, or even hedge slightly, depending on their defensive settings.

What I love is how real this feels. It’s not a scripted animation where the defense always does the same thing. Some defenders will be better at navigating screens (just like real life), and you’ll notice the differences in how elite defenders like Jrue Holiday or Marcus Smart react compared to, say, a slower-footed big man trying to chase a guard.

Pick-and-Roll: The Chess Match Within the Game

Now, let’s talk about the bread and butter of any offense—the pick-and-roll. If you’ve ever run a pick-and-roll in real life, you know there’s a lot more to it than just setting a screen and rolling to the basket. It’s about reading the defense, making the right pass, or deciding if you should attack the rim or pull up for a jumper.

In NBA 2K25, the pick-and-roll feels like a chess match. The AI doesn’t just blindly follow you—it reacts to how you set up the play. Let me break it down.

Say you’re coming up the court with Luka Doncic (because who better to run a P&R than the maestro himself?). You call for a screen from your center, and depending on how you position yourself, the defender might go under the screen if you’re not a shooting threat, or they might try to ice the screen, forcing you to the sideline. The AI’s decision-making here is impressive. They’re smart. They’ll switch if it’s the best option, trap if you’re cooking, or even go into drop coverage if you’re playing against a slower big man who’s afraid to leave the paint.

NBA 2K25 Review - Conclusion

Here’s where the fun really begins—your options. If the defense goes under the screen, you can pull up for an open three, assuming you’ve got the right shooter. If they hedge, you’ve got a split second to thread the needle to the roll man before the defense rotates. And if they switch, now you’ve got a mismatch. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put the opposing team’s big on an island with a guard and made them pay for it.

It’s not just about the ball-handler though. The screener plays a huge role, and in 2K25, they’ve nailed this aspect. Guys like Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo will set hard screens and roll to the basket with authority. But here’s the cool part if you buy PS5 sports games—depending on the player’s IQ and tendencies, they might slip the screen if they sense the defense is over-committing. You’ll see smart bigs like Nikola Jokic or Draymond Green slip out early for a short-roll pass, which opens up all kinds of playmaking opportunities. It’s these little details that make 2K25 feel like you’re playing real basketball.