We're diving into interior defense changes in this latest update. While it's unclear if these adjustments are from the pre-Season 2 patch or the recent update, we'll compare Season 1 gameplay to the current state.
This guide will focus specifically on hands-up defense. Buy Cheap MT 2K25 at U4GM and use the code "harry" for 5% off!
Overview of Interior Defense Patch Changes
Interior and perimeter contest systems have received a slight buff. This update provides improvements in defensive performance, allowing players to achieve stronger contest ratings with hands-up defense, even with lower interior defense stats.
Key Findings: Hands-Up Defense Buff
1. Improved Hands-Up Contest: Previously, with a defender rated at 25 block and 25 interior defense, shots were typically flagged as "open" Now, this same sequence can register as “slight pressure” without requiring additional interior defense points. This change allows defenders to apply more pressure with hands-up defense even if they haven't heavily invested in interior defense stats.
2. Increased Effectiveness with Lower Stats: Our Season 1 tests showed that adding 15 points to interior defense was necessary to shift shots from “open” to “light pressure.” Post-patch, defenders with minimal interior defense can still achieve light pressure, suggesting that hands-up defense now delivers stronger contests in close-range situations.
3. Wingspan Test Results: Using a different shot and a slight gap between the defender and shooter, we observed that in Season 1, shots against defenders with 25 block and 25 interior defense were flagged as open. However, after the patch, the same settings automatically register as light pressure, confirming an across-the-board improvement in hands-up defense mechanics.
Takeaway: Hands-up defense has been slightly buffed, allowing players to apply contest pressure more effectively even with lower stats. Although the improvements are subtle, they add a layer of reliability for defenders looking to counter close-range shots.
Additional Considerations: Jump Contest
While our focus here is on hands-up defense, it's possible that jump contests were also affected. Though the patch didn't explicitly address jump contests, we assume they may also benefit from similar slight improvements.
Note: These changes are intended to be a “slight buff,” so the enhancements might not be highly noticeable to all players. However, for players who prioritize close-range defense, this update does improve hands-up contest consistency.
This patch has made interior defense more effective overall, especially for hands-up defense. While the impact is modest, defenders can now apply slight pressure with fewer stat points.