NBA 2K23 Pro Stick expands dunking controls

The NBA 2K23 pro stick is delivering more control not only to shooting but to the dunking controls as well.

The new pro stick control map detailed specific changes coming to the dunking mechanics this year, giving players even more control.

Let's take a look a the map and some gameplay reveals.

NBA 2K23 Pro Stick Dunking Control Map

With the latest gameplay breakdown from 2K, there are some notable changes coming to the NBA 2K23 pro stick that we're all excited about.

We'll cover things such as ball-handling and shooting in other pieces but first, we're going to talk about how dunking will be affected.

The NBA 2K23 pro stick control map will provide players with exactly that, control. No more do you need to worry about flashy dunks when driving to the paint, only to be blocked by the opposing center.

Here's the control map for the pro stick in NBA 2K23:

• UP = Two-Hand
• RIGHT = Strong Hand
• LEFT = Weak Hand
• DOWN = Rim Hang
• UP-UP = Flashy Two-Hand
• DOWN-UP = Flashy One-Hand
• UP-DOWN = Normal Skill Dunk with meter
• DOWN-DOWN = Rim Hang Skill Dunk with meter

We'll go into a bit more detail on when to use each one of these below, but clearly, the safest one is the two-hand or the strong-hand dunk.

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How to determine the best dunk

This is probably the most important thing to learn about the NBA 2K23 pro stick considering it can result in points or a blocked dunk.

Although some players may consider themselves a pro already, getting familiar with the control map and when to use each dunk is vital.

There have been several new animations added to dunking, such as the rim hang animation. Be careful using this though, you're player could be on the rim for longer than you'd like and be behind on defense.

Here is when we would use each NBA 2K23 pro stick dunking animation:

• Two-Hand: Any time we have a defender in the paint that is the same height or taller. Perhaps the safest way to dunk in NBA 2K23.
• Strong Hand: Same as the two-handed dunk or when driving baseline to keep the ball away from the opposition.
• Weak Hand: Opposite-side drives where the defender is pushing you to your less dominant hand.
• Rim Hang: During transition when you have a sizable head start on your opponent.
• Flashy Two Hand: Can be used on smaller opponents that are in the paint. Keep your eyes open for any chase-down block artists.
• Flashy One Hand: This is perfect for fast-break offense and if you're controlling a player known for incredible dunks.

The normal-skill dunk with meter and rim hand skill dunk with meter can both be used during isolation when you have a slight break towards the basket.

Now, let's take a look at how you'll use the NBA 2K23 pro stick to perform the new rim hang mechanic.

How to Rim Hang in NBA 2K23

We know that most players noticed the new rim hang feature courtesy of the NBA 2K23 pro stick so we're going to go over how to do it.

User control when it comes to the rim hang mechanic will be different on next gen systems where you'll have even more control than current gen.

In the Courtside Report on the NBA 2K23 pro stick, this is how you'll rim hang this year:

• Use one of the new rim-hang dunk gestures mentioned above when driving toward the hoop, but keep the Sprint trigger held when the player gets their hands on the rim.
• Keep the Sprint trigger held to stay on the rim as long as you'd like.
• Use the left stick to adjust the momentum of your swinging body.
• Use the right stick to pull yourself up on the rim.

This brings a new type of celebration to the game, especially if you end a game in The City with a huge dunk. However, players will receive technicals if they hang on too long.