Welcome back to another comprehensive guide for NBA 2K25! Today, we’re diving deep into animations, with a focus on Shot Creator animations, dunks, and layups. While the dunk animations and a full breakdown of layup packages will get their spotlight in the next videos, this guide will primarily focus on go-to shots, dribble pull-ups, spin jumpers, and hop jumpers.

Whether you're a guard, swing, or big, this article will walk you through the best animations to dominate in every scenario. Let’s not waste any time—let’s get right into it.

Go-To Shots: Creating Separation and Breaking Free

Go-to shots are a new addition in NBA 2K25, and they’ve quickly become a game-changer. These animations allow players to break out of bumps, create separation, and shoot in ways that opponents often can’t contest effectively. While these moves can be frustrating to guard against, they’re essential tools for any serious player.

Best Go-To Shots for Guards

If you're running as a guard (6'4" or shorter), here are your top picks:

    • Stephen Curry: The best go-to shot for small guards. Requires a 92+ three-point rating, but the ability to create space going forward and shoot with precision makes it worth it.

    • Malaki Branham: A solid option for guards who don’t meet Curry's rating requirement. However, this one focuses more on backward movements, making it situational.

    • Darius Garland and Jalen Suggs: Both are viable choices, but Curry’s forward-momentum animations give him the edge.

Best Go-To Shots for Swings

For swing players (6'5" to 6'9"), forward-focused go-to shots are crucial:

    • Jimmy Butler: Ideal for driving through bumps and creating separation. If you're looking to get out of tight situations, Butler’s package is highly effective.

    • DeMar DeRozan: A great alternative, especially for mid-range-focused swings.

    • Paul George: A balanced option for versatility, but not as forward-focused as Butler.

Best Go-To Shots for Bigs

For players 6'10" and taller:

    • Kevin Durant: Excellent for creating space while maintaining fluidity in movement.

    • Pascal Siakam: A slightly underrated option, providing reliable animations for post-centric gameplay.

Dribble Pull-Ups: Fades That Make the Difference

Dribble pull-ups are essential for players who rely on quick movement into jump shots. Whether you're going left or right, having a consistent fade can change the game.

Universal Picks for All Builds

    • Pro 2: The most versatile pull-up, allowing for smooth transitions both left and right. Its consistency makes it suitable for guards, swings, and even bigs.

    • Normal 2: This package offers the best fade for right-handed players moving right, but its left-handed fade has a distinct timing, which can be tricky to master.

Guard-Specific Pull-Ups

    • Stephen Curry: A reliable option for guards with high shooting ratings.

    • Devin Booker: Balanced and effective for both mid-range and three-point fades.

    • Ben McLemore: A sleeper pick with clean animations for guards who want precision.

Swings and Bigs

    • Kobe Bryant: A top-tier choice for swings, offering smooth fades with great separation.

    • Kevin Durant: A reliable fade for bigs, blending size and agility.

    • Dirk Nowitzki: The quintessential fade for big men, offering high-release points that are tough to contest.

Spin Jumpers: High-Risk, High-Reward Plays

Spin jumpers can add flair and unpredictability to your game. However, choosing the right animation is critical to ensure separation from defenders.

Best Spin Jumpers for Guards

    • Trae Young: Smooth and efficient, this spin jumper avoids stepping into defenders, maintaining proper separation.

    • Allen Iverson: Another strong choice for guards looking to blend agility with accuracy.

    • Stephen Curry: A solid fallback option with consistent timing and spacing.

Swings and Bigs

    • Normal: The most versatile spin jumper for all builds. It doesn’t glitch forward into defenders, making it ideal for creating space.

    • Dirk Nowitzki: An excellent option for bigs, leveraging height for uncontestable shots.

Hop Jumpers: Versatility in Every Situation

Hop jumpers are among the most versatile animations in NBA 2K25. They can be used for chaining combos, speed boosting, or shooting, depending on the player's playstyle.

Best Hop Jumpers for Guards

    • Kyle Lowry: Widely considered the best hop jumper, offering unmatched space creation.

    • James Harden: Great for chaining animations and shooting off the dribble.

    • Jordan Clarkson: Ideal for combo chaining and breaking away from defenders.

Best Hop Jumpers for Swings

    • James Harden: Still effective for swings, especially for creating space in mid-range situations.

    • De'Aaron Fox: Excellent for quick transitions but tends to step into defenders, which may limit its usefulness in tight spaces.

    • Normal 2: A dependable option for all-around use.

Best Hop Jumpers for Bigs

    • Dirk Nowitzki: The go-to option for bigs, blending agility with effective shot mechanics.

    • Kevin Durant: Offers versatility for bigs who play more of a swingman role.

Tips for Maximizing Animation Effectiveness

    • An experiment in MyCourt: Test out animations to find the ones that feel natural for your playstyle.

    • Understand Your Build: Animation effectiveness can vary based on height, weight, and attributes. Make sure the animations you select complement your build’s strengths.

    • Shot Cancelling: This underrated mechanic allows you to cancel animations mid-way, breaking out of predictable patterns and keeping opponents guessing.

    • Mix Up Your Game: Relying on one animation set can make you predictable. Rotate between animations to stay unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

NBA 2K25’s animation system provides endless possibilities for players to customize their playstyle. From go-to shots to hop jumpers, mastering these animations can elevate your game to the next level. Whether you’re a guard weaving through defenses, a swing creating mid-range separation, or a big dominating in the post, there’s an animation set tailored to your style.

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