NBA 2K26 Courtside Report: Gameplay Powered by ProPLAY

 

Powered by 2K’s ProPLAY technology, the new Dynamic Motion Engine introduces machine-learning–driven lower-body pose matching that dramatically enhances player movement and removes unnatural skating animations. According to developers, this is the largest upgrade to on-court motion since NBA 2K21 

. Shooting mechanics have been completely overhauled: Enhanced Rhythm Shooting now lets shot timing and tempo visibly shape upper-body motion, while Green‑or‑Miss timing becomes mandatory on higher difficulty tiers and competitive modes. Layup timing is permanently enabled for more precise finishes at the rim 

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Offensively, players can now assemble custom layup packages using moves such as euro‑steps, hop‑steps, spins, floaters, and signature post shots like shimmy floaters and up‑and‑unders 

. Defensively, the experience is enhanced with improved player-to-player body-ups and collision physics, revamped interior defense logic, and feedback-driven rebound timing. New controls such as Quick Protect, no-dip catch‑and‑shoots, slow-motion euro-steps, wrap passes, and randomized alley-oop inputs add depth to both sides of the ball