NBA Live 2008's Dynasty Mode (Part V) – The NBA Store and their Shoes

Fifth of a series of articles on my first ever Dynasty Mode Season.

Game 13: Suns @ Warriors (156-103)

Quarterback by best player Luke Ridnour (14 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, and 6 steals) and a 52-point blitz in the second quarter, the Suns never looked back and put the Warriors to bed. Final score: 156-103.

Dwight Howard led all Suns players with 29 points and two blocks. While Dwyane Wade (27 points, 7 assists, 5 steals), Chris Bosh (20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals), and David Lee (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) also joined the party.

Warriors Joe Johnson finished with 39 points in this losing effort. Rookie Aaron Brooks (21 points, 15 assists, 2 steals), Andrei Kirilenko (15 markers), Troy Murphy (12 points, 11 caroms), and Stromile Swift (4 blocks) also made significant contributions for the Bay Area Warriors.

Game 14: Rockets @ Suns (104-162)

Chris Bosh is judged the best player after the game (and to think I was worried that his performance was “dipping”) with a smooth stat line: 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Dwight Howard complements Bosh with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 block shots. While Dwyane Wade finishes with 20 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals.

I guess they are my “Big Three.”

As for the Rockets, they were lead again by the duo of Gilbert Arenas (who is as unstoppable as Kobe Bryant…hey, he is after all NBA Live 2008’s endorser) (42 big ones and 15 dimes) and rookie Kevin Durant (23 points). Other notables were Shawne Williams (19 points and 11 boards – guess the Pacers are wishing right now that they could get that kind of production out of him in real life!) and the immortal Alonzo Mourning (4 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks) who I believe should have retired when the Heat won their ring in 06’

By the way…three more Adidas pairs and I would have cleaned out the NBA Store. Hey NY! It’s time to restock! Hehehe….

Game 15: Magic @ Suns (126-161)

Did you know that the Florida based Magic and Heat as well as the Jazz are the only three teams whose names don’t end with the letter “S”? (e.g., Bulls, Lakers, Clippers, Suns, etc.) But you probably knew that already right?

Now to the game. The Magic’s quartet of guards: Manu Ginobili (34 points; 3 of 7 from downtown); Bobby Simmons (29 points; 5 of 8 from beyond the arc); and Kirk Hinrich (23 points, 14 assists, and two three’s from the top of the key) kept things interesting until my bench (usually Watson, Redick, Korver, Lee, and Varejao at Center) came in and brought our lead into the twenty’s.

Led by the unofficial Western Conference player of the month (November) Chris Bosh (who leads the league in points, FG%, offensive rebounds, rebounds per game, steals per game, and blocks per game…*whew*) finished as the contest’s best player with 44 points, 8 caroms, 7 steals, and 2 block shots. Fellow twin tower Dwight Howard came up with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. While D.Wade chipped in 20 points and 6 steals.

Oh yeah, I also finally purchased all the stuff at the NBA Store. Maybe EA should have put in more “unlockables.” What am I going to do with the Game Points now? A minimum per game for me is about 250 points (if the entire 12-man roster scores at least a point).

Well, that’s it for now. Happy weekend to all and I hope you are enjoying the ride so far.

NBA Live 2008's Dynasty Mode (Part IV) – The revelation of the jump shot

The fourth of a series of articles on my first ever Dynasty Mode Season.

Game play:

The last couple of games have really been frustrating as shooters like J.J. Redick, Jason Kapono, Kyle Korver, and Matt Carroll are unable to hit any three point shots with any regularity (even the “super wide open, how could you have missed that!” variety). However, I did discover that if a shooter (who is in their comfort zone) gets the ball off a pass or steps into a mid-range jumper without within one or two dribbles, they should make the shot.

Another tip. Refrain from playing shooters out of position. If they are a small forward or shooting guard, keep them there. It has something to do with their positions on the court and where they get the basketball.

Every little bit helps towards making a jump shot.

Now where did I put that three point shot…


Game 10: Suns @ Rockets (176-106)

The Suns finish this contest with their highest output in a quarter this season (58 points…Don’t ask me how it happened…it just did.) Spearheaded by the game’s best player (BP) Chris Bosh (43 markers and 6 swipes) and Dwight Howard (32 points and 5 steals), the Suns made this match “hard on the eyes” of Rockets fans.

Dwyane Wade (6 steals) and Jason Kapono 6 rebounds, 4 steals) each finished with 16 markers. While point guard Luke Ridnour (14 points, 6 steals) orchestrated several highlight slams with 18 assists.

The Rockets were led by HALO 3 Online’s (http://www.bungie.net/stats/PlayerStatsHalo3.aspx?player=Agent%20Arenas) own “Agent Arenas” (34 points; 6-10 3 point FG) and 28 points each from Jamal Crawford and rookie Kevin Durant.

Game 11: Kings @ Suns (109-165)

The fallout of the Kings and Suns trade days earlier (Suns gave up Josh Smith, Mike Miller, and Jose Manuel Calderon for the King’s Dwyane Wade) turned into a royal bashing at the valley of the Sun!

Despite a slow start (Suns led 36-32 after one), a 52-point second quarter and the efforts of best player Dwyane Wade (36 points, 6 assists, 9 steals) put this one safely away by the half. Chris Bosh also came up another brilliant performance (28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks). While Dwight Howard chipped in 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals.

The Kings were led by Mike Bibby’s 49 points (7 for 14 from long distance) while new Kings Mike Miller (28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals (4 of 9 from downtown)) and Josh Smith (9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) held their own.

Other notables: Chris Kaman finished the game with 5 block shots…Jose Manuel Calderon, the other player involved in the Dwyane Wade trade, did not play in this contest (DNP-CD).

Game 12: Clippers @ Suns (99-173)

The Clippers are only the second team that I have been able to hold below a hundred points in a game (the first one being Game 5 against the Hawks wherein they came up with 90 points). This doesn’t speak well for my ability to play defense (well, it can be very (insert a couple of more “very” here!) well as I believe you can’t truly shut down anyone in this game.

The Kobe Bryant’s, Pau Gasol’s, and Gilbert Arenas’ of the NBA Live 2008 world will always get their points because: 1) They play the whole game and 2) the dominate the ball.

Teams in Live 2008 have a tendency play to their strengths. Just look at their players. Take the Bulls for example in my Dynasty Mode Season; with Gasol and Yao down low, the AI would literally jump at every opportunity to get those guys the leather in premium (that wonderful yellow star that lights up underneath the player who currently has the basketball) scoring positions. While in the case of Kobe Bryant (slash and drive) and Gilbert Arenas (set up teammates, hit an occasional trifecta at the top of the key, and drive), they too mirror and play similarly (to some degree) to their real life counterparts.

Now to the Clips and Suns match up! Dwyane Wade is adjudged as the game’s best player (39 points and 8 steals) in this one. While Chris Bosh (who I believe should have been my best player) finished with 37 points, 4 swipes, and 2 blocks. Dwight Howard and David Lee also dominated down low with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks and 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals respectively.

The Clippers camp was lead by forward Tayshaun Prince (36 points) and all-star guard Chris E. Paul (31 points, 12 assists, and 4 steals).

Part V is right around the corner….and here it is!

NBA Live 2008 - And The Season Continues...

Given my recent success after my loss to the Seattle Supersonics on opening night, I immediately set my game preferences to “Superstar” level in order to give me more of a challenge. Here is how my next three games went.

Game 4: Suns @ Bobcats (137-135)

Have you every watched a blowout game wherein the winning team already rested its starters, but had to bring them back in because the other opposing team made a game out of it? That’s what happened here. If it were not for a Robert Swift missed bank shot as time expired, I think the outcome may have been a lot different.

Best player: Chris Bosh (44 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 steals); Dwight Howard chips in 26 points and 9 rebounds and Josh Smith calls it a night after filling out the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

The Bobcats were lead by rookie (what is it with NBA Live 2008 rookies? They all seem to have Superstar Stats!!!) Alando Tucker (41 points), Stevie Franchise (37 points), and Mike James (29 points).

Game 5: Suns @ Hawks (169-90)

Not an error folks, it was simply a drubbing. Despite an early 14 point lead, the Hawks relied too much on the jump shooting trio of Earl Boykins, Larry Hughes, and Ron Artest without deferring to their inside game. Then again, this team simply didn’t run down on defense, so I guess they got what they deserved. In hindsight, I think this development may have been caused by NBA Live 2008’s “role playing” function. Not sure how that works, but it is the only plausible explanation that I could come up with after they lost by 79.

Bosh, the best player (again) lead the Suns to four forty point quarters with 56 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 steals. Dwight Howard scores 32 and grabs 15. While Luke Ridnour dishes out 30 dimes and Josh Smith goes (14 of 14 FG) and finishes with 28.

As for the Hawks, well, I don’t think they would survive the season if Ron Artest (20 points) keeps on jacking up fall away jumpers and three pointers from the corners. Larry Hughes shot selection was also non-existent despite finishing with 20 points as well. Boykins, at 5’5’’ was the high man for the Hawks with 37 points. (It does pay to hold the ball in every possession…hehehe)

Game 6: Suns @ Miami (145-123)

Prior to the start of the game, I learned some nifty moves (drive and hop back; drive and step back) using the training segment of NBA Live 2008. Now all I need to learn is how to convert a three pointer with some consistency as I have had players go 1/10, 1/5, and 2/9 – all in the same game!

Highlights: Dwight Howard gets top honors with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 steals (most, if not all from inbounds passes). David Lee makes a case for more playing time with 20 points and 4 steals. While J-Smooth (23 points) and Chris Bosh (27 points and 3 steals) are their usual silky smooth selves.

As for the Heat, Vincent Lamar Carter drives and twists his way to 49 points; Carlos Boozer provided an inside presence with 18 and 10 caroms. While ROOKIE (these rookies again) Javaris Crittenton (who is this guy!) finishes with 33 points and 13 feeds.

Oh man, I’ve really got to get back to work now. Hope you guys found this interesting. Have a great week ahead everyone!

NBA Live 2008 - Introducing the New Phoenix Suns

Just got my copy of NBA Live 08' today. And to be honest, the game play is still similar to how it was in past NBA Live editions (So what was Shawn Marion and Co. so excited about?) with the exception of the power hop (which they brought back) and player "hot spots" (which are areas in the basketball court wherein a player shows some proficiency to convert shots).

I also decided to finally play a Dynasty Mode after more than a decade of playing every version of NBA Live. I really haven’t gotten around to doing it, so I guess this version is the best time to do it.

Here is what I ended up with after drafting 30th with the Phoenix Suns (I just dig their Orange alternate road jersey). In alphabetical order: Chris Bosh, Jose Manuel Calderon, Dwight Howard, Jason Kapono, Kyle Korver, David Lee, Mike Miller, J.J. Redick , Luke Ridnour, Josh Smith, Anderson Varejao, and Earl Watson.

As for my preferences, I set them at “Superstar” level for the first 10-15 games of the season in order to acclimate myself to the intricacies of Live 08’. 8 minutes quarters (Any more and the final scores would be simply atrocious)

Game 1: Suns @ Sonics (125-157)

What is it with rookies? Sonics’ Josh McRoberts lights me up for 75 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks; while his frontcourt partner, Amare Stoudemire finishes with 42 points and 14 rebounds. It was really ugly, as I couldn’t stop Damon Stoudamire’s penetration (36 assists).

My bright spots were a Chris Bosh triple-double (45 points, 12 steals, and 13 rebounds) and Dwight Howard’s 27 points. Despite how it looks, I forced a ton a threes with my designated gunner J.J. Redick shooting a horrendous 22% (5-23) from downtown.

This doesn’t look too promising…

Game 2: Lakers @ Suns (100-145)

Redemption! Now that’s more like it! I made some lineup changes and started Josh Smith in lieu of J.J. Redick and just kept on pounding the ball inside. J.Smith was the player of the game with a 35 point, 6 rebound, and 4 steals effort. While Bosh was again spectacular with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Aside from this new appreciation for Chris Bosh, I also played Andy Varejao and to my surprise, he was effective defensively (3 blocks and a steal). As for Redick, I don’t even want to go there (2/12 from downtown).

The Lakers were lead by Steve Nash (36 points and 9 assists) and Marcus Camby (21 points and 12 rebounds).

Game 3: Cavaliers @ Suns (115-146)

Home sweet home! Another win! I also discovered that back-to-back games lower the stamina of players. Basically, their stamina is not 100% at the start of new games. I guess, this puts a premium on putting teams away and letting the bench play in lieu of the starters.

Highlights: Bosh gets his second triple-double in three games (50 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 steals); Dwight Howard scores 31 and grabs 9 caroms; Ridnour finishes with 11 assists.

Redick finishes 1-5 from three-point land. I really need to stop taking all these threes, especially in transition, as they never really go in with any decent consistency.

I’m stopping here for today. I’ve burned enough time in front of the PS2.