I started playing NBA 2k11 last year. It was the first time that I had played a video basketball game in years. I spent the first month playing a season with the Lakers on pro level to get accustomed to the game. It took a little bit to get use to the game controls and how to score and play defense but after a slow start, I started winning and eventually won the championship in the season I played.
It was during that season that I developed what I call my NBA 2k coaching philosophy on which this site is based. Basically, I have a theory that you can win with any team in the league if you play sound fundamental basketball.
Most players played NBA 2k11 with one of the big three – the Heat, the Lakers and the Celtics. And for good reason. Those teams are very talented. I’ve also played online against the Bulls, the Thunder, the Knicks and the Clippers most recently. So I know that there are people who play with the the lesser teams in the game.
That I think is a good thing. Because I think it shows that if you can win with those teams you know how to play basketball.
For me personally, I decided that it didn’t mean a whole lot to win with the Lakers on pro and since then have vowed to play with my hometown team – the Indiana Pacers. And, I also decided that it would also mean more to win on hall of fame mode in the game.
Let me tell you, winning on hall of fame mode is very challenging. People complain about it online all the time.
Embarking on winning on hall of fame mode with my Pacers would be even more challenging.
I fired up a new season and began playing. 50 games later, I won my first game on hall of fame mode. I was thrilled.
But my quest is still not complete because I still did not play the best basketball I know I could play in the game. It was one dimensional. I scored 65 points with Darren Collison. Every shot was a three except for two free throws to ice the game. It was a victory though and I’m very happy I got it.
The process in which I got that first victory though is what I want to talk about here because it is the mindset that will determine how I teach you how to play the game of basketball on NBA 2k.
I started with the premise – that you can win with any team.
I started with one guy – to attempt to master his game.
I started with one play – to get that guy open.
I then added another play – and set out to master it to get him open.
I then worked on another player to work on his game and repeated the process.
Is my game complete yet? No it is not. Because I have 12 guys to master. I have to master their free throws. Master their shot releases. Master their movement on the court. Master the offense.
And then, I will start working on the defensive side of the ball.
Mastering NBA 2k11 is just like mastering anything else. You master one small skill and then you master the next. Eventually, you master the game.
So if you are here looking for money plays, or cheese plays or an easy way to win – you won’t find it here. But if you want to master the game of basketball then you have come to the right place.
Do I win every game? No. Am I a master yet? No. And that’s part of the fun, because you I will let you see all of my mistakes while I teach you how to play the game.
NBA 2k12 comes out soon. I am fired up. Shortly after it comes out, I’ll start my lessons.