Find Your NBA Groove in NBA 2K8

Published October 8, 2007

Finding success in NBA 2K8 requires a deft combination of basic basketball knowledge and a keen understanding of the mechanics that drive the game. From something as simple as recognizing a player's release point to running plays from the point guard position, the following tips should set your NBA 2K8 strategic foundation. Good luck.

Watch out for the crossover.

Top of the Shot
So many newcomers to the NBA 2K series begin taking wide open jumpers, only to wonder why they're not hitting the net with more frequency. This is largely a timing problem. Always let go of the stick or button (if you're using X) right at the apex of your player's jump, just before they begin to fall back down. You might find it easier to pay attention to a player's feet and not their arm motion.

Read the Bars
The five vertical bars seen underneath every player in NBA 2K8 offer critical information regarding a shot's potential success. The more bars are lit, the more likely the shot will succeed.

There are other elements to consider here. The bars take into account where on the court each player has had the most success. You may find a player is actually more comfortable outside the three-point line than just inside the line. Pay close attention in order to identify each player's hot and cold spots.

Speaking of hot and cold, the bars change color depending on whether a player is ice cold from the field or in the zone. While you can get away shooting with LeBron even if he's on a cold streak, avoid role players who aren't in a shooting rhythm. And conversely, when the bench warmers get hot, use them while you have the opportunity.

Mr. Davis can hit from all over the floor.

Play Time
A common tactic among novice 2K players is to drive haphazardly to the basket on every possession. With sophisticated A.I., not to mention the lock on defensive feature, this strategy will only end in frustration. Start learning to run basic plays like the pick and roll, quick post, and if you really do want to drive to the hoop, at least call an isolation play.

Access these plays by tapping right on the D-pad and selecting the appropriate play. Try calling one every time down the floor (fast breaks not included) until you're comfortable with the setup. Every trip down the floor should involve at least one structured play.

Icon Passing
Directional passing with the left control stick and A just isn't accurate enough for any kind of precision offense. There's no better way to disrupt your offensive flow than zipping a pass to the wrong player, so with that in mind, make sure you use icon passing for all but the most obvious passes. Simply tap RB at any time to enable the icons.

The Mismatch
Keep a sharp lookout for potential mismatches every time down the floor. When things get hectic, it's easy for a defender to be caught on a player they have no business guarding. For example, you may find the opponent's power forward guarding your point guard after a screen.

Use this to your advantage by sprinting by the slower player as you drive to the basket. If you find your center being guarded by a guard, it's time to back them down into the post and use your height advantage.

Sub Time
Another common misstep for newer players is to keep their stars in the lineup at all times. Do this and your precious star players will be completely exhausted and entirely ineffective. If you don't feel comfortable substituting players, keep the substitute option set to Automatic and let the A.I. do the work for you.

Lock On
The key to one-on-one defensive success is keeping the opposing player in front of you. In NBA 2K8, you can do this more easily by holding down the left trigger to "lock on" to the opponent. You still need to move along with the player, but it's a great deal easier to do so when locked on.

Team Steal
Calling for a double team (LB) can be risky business, but if you do manage to crowd your opponent with two players, tap X rapidly to grab hold of the ball and wrench it loose. To avoid too much risk, try calling for the double team when a teammate of yours is within just a foot or two.

OK, Coach. Those are some basic tips to get you started in the marvelous NBA 2K8 game. Use them well, learn to call the appropriate plays, and you'll be driving to the hoop, instead of riding the pine.

Article by Ryan Treit