Is there a player in the NBA who can't be guarded? We're not going to let that happen if we have a say in the matter. At the very least, in NBA 2K21, we know how to stop Giannis, Joel, Dame, Kawhi, and LeBron. You'll need to learn the intricacies of defense, which is just as critical as nailing your three-point shot, if you want to stand a chance against any foe when playing the latest installment of the basketball franchise (maybe even moreso given how tricky the new shooting function is).

And attracting fouls by flopping as much as possible is a major part of that. It isn't pretty, but it serves its purpose. This game was reviewed on the PS4 thanks to a free copy offered by 2K Games. The PlayStation experience is represented by all screenshots. Nonetheless, we'll go over the right Xbox One buttons as well. Buy NBA 2K21 MT Xbox One, PS4, Switch, or next-gen online can save lots of time. 

NBA 2K21 Defending Tips

Knowing Who You Can Defend
Don't just run over to the person who has the ball. Your player icon will literally point in the direction of the opponent you need to track down. You'll be making an opening for the offensive team if you don't protect them. If you want to move to another defender cutting to the basket, click X on the PS4 or A on the Xbox One to perform a player swap.

Off-the-Ball Defense
These are the first steps you can take before taking any drastic measures.
Intense-D: Press and hold L2 on the PS4 or LT on the Xbox One to get into a low defensive stance and form an imposing semi-circle around the opposing team. Offer them some Intense-D, please.

Crowd Dribbler: Don't let another player create a barrier between you and your man (or woman, if you're playing in WNBA mode). To get up close and personal, keep L2 on the PS4 or LT on the Xbox One and shift the left thumbstick towards the dribbler.

Quick Shuffle: Also, don't let them make a quick break! To get in their way, press and hold the L2 and R2 buttons on the PS4 or LT and RT on the Xbox One, and switch the left thumbstick in either direction.

Hands Up: Move and keep the correct thumbstick up to prevent them from taking a shot at you.

Hands Out: If you think they'll pass to your left or right, switch and keep the right thumbstick to the left or right to block their passing lane.

Double Team: This isn't just another Dennis Rodman film! To summon assistance, press and hold L1 on the PS4 or LB on the Xbox One.

A Shot Is Blocked
Here are your choices if your adversary is obviously going to take a shot and you arrived too late to save them. Only watch your timing (and your positioning under the net) or you could get called for a foul or even goal tending (which will result in points against you regardless).
Block: This isn't the place for that. When you're next to the gunman, press Triangle on the PS4 or Y on the Xbox One.

Swat Block: Are you or the gunman running for your lives? For the ultimate LeBron pass, hold R2 and click Triangle on PlayStation 4 or RT and Y on Xbox One.

Vertical Contest: Keep the left thumbstick away from the shooter and press Triangle on PS4 or Y on Xbox One to add height or distance to your block.

Shot Contest: Can't get close to the shooter but still want to frighten them? When they're taking a shot, quickly move the right thumbstick up and then release it. Keep an eye out for pump-fakes!

The Ball is Being Stolen
Simply press square on the PS4 or X on the Xbox One to take the ball away from your opponent. If you're close enough, move the right thumbstick down and release quickly for an onball steal.
Pro tip: Just steal while the opposing player is dribbling, or you'll almost certainly be called for a foul. Those pesky referees, still sticking to the rules!

Flopping and Fouling are two terms used to describe the process of a person flopping
When you're in a pinch, you've got to take drastic action. If your opponent approaches you with the ball, you can either charge by pressing and keeping Circle on PS4 or B on Xbox One, or you can flop like they do in soccer by double-tapping Circle/B. If you're lucky, the other team will be called for a foul. Alternatively, if the ref detects a forger, he will call you a foul. Their skins should be cursed! It's time for a hug if you have a lot of fouls to offer and need to pause the game. When you're close the ball handler, press and hold Square on the PS4 or X on the Xbox One to intentionally foul.

There's no doubt that there are more post-body-up moves to learn that will help you stop spinning, driving, dropping steps, and hopping steps. Furthermore, knowing the players are ace defenders in real life would give you an advantage in the game because how they do in real life is mirrored in the game.