Basics
Basics
Controls
Offense
Action | PS2 | Xbox | GameCube |
Move | Left Analog | Left Analog | Control Stick |
Shoot | Circle | B | B |
Pass | X | A | A |
Dunk/Layup | Square | X | X |
Pro-Hop/Power Dribble | Triangle | Y | X (hold) |
Back Down Defender | L1 | L | L |
Turbo | R1 | R | R |
Alley-Oop Pass | R2 | White | Y |
Direct Pass | L2 + icon | Black + icon | Z + icon |
Call Timeout | Select | Back | Pause menu |
Pause | Start | Start | Start |
Call Play | D-Pad + direction | D-Pad + direction | Control Pad |
Defense
Action | PS2 | Xbox | GameCube |
Move | Left Analog | Left Analog | Control Stick |
Take a Charge | Circle | B | B |
Switch Players | X | A | A |
Steal | Square | X | X |
Jump to Block/Rebound | Triangle | Y | X (hold) |
Faceup/Boxout | L1 | L | L |
Turbo | R1 | R | R |
Last Man Back | R2 | White | Y |
Direct Player Switch | L2 + icon | Black + icon | Z + icon |
Intentional Foul | Select | Back | N/A |
Pause | Start | Start | Start |
Call Play | D-Pad + direction | D-Pad + direction | Control Pad |
Game Modes
Play Now
The selection above the actual Game Modes selection, this allows you to play an exhibition game between another player or the computer. Make sure you scout the teams on the team select screen before you move on to get a sense of exactly what you're getting yourself into. You'll also want to set up a user profile (or select it from here, if you already have one), in order to earn points that will go toward the NBA Store. After team select, you'll be able to hook up both teams with any throwbacks you may have unlocked at the Store. Then it's time to ball!
Season
If you don't want the commitment of Dynasty in your life, opt for Season Mode. It allows you to take your NBA squad through an entire NBA campaign, from the opening tip to the finality of... well, of the Finals. Of course, you'll be able to completely tweak your experience before it even begins. Run a Fantasy Draft to mix up the team composition, make a Custom league and seed the divisions yourself, and even set the length of the season: either 28, 56 or 82 games. You can even set whether or not simming will yield injuries, the length of time sim games are (in order to make stats comparable), and how the playoff format shakes down.
Once a Season begins, you'll have full reign over the GM's duties. Simply go to the GM's desk to check stats, see upcoming matchups, read NBA news and keep up on NBA Honors like MVP Candidates and Players of the Month. Use Roster Management to set your lineup, trade and sign players, check on injuries, and create custom players for your squad.
Dynasty Mode
Dynasty Mode is for the diehards out there--the guys and gals who like to play at being a GM over the course of several seasons and try to build an NBA powerhouse a la the Bulls or Lakers. For tips on whipping your team into shape for the long haul, take a peep at the Dynasty section of this guide.
Playoffs
If you want all the thrill of an NBA Championship run, but don't want to work that hard, this is the mode for you. It allows you to customize and play your very own NBA postseason. This Mode allows you to determine what branch of the Playoffs you'll start in, or you can choose to customize the kind of playoffs you're running. You can also choose a Fantasy Draft for Playoffs, so turn that option to Yes if you want to draft before playing. That way, even the Bulls have a shot.
1 On 1
As in last year's game, you'll be able to select All-Stars from years past to compete against one another in this mode. How does Cousy stack up against Le Bron? Find out here. The games can be played outdoors in the Urban setting, or inside the Gym. What's more, every one-on-one rule you can think of is selectable here, and you can also choose to play in any of the jerseys you've unlocked.
Individual Practice
Heading to Practice is a good idea if you are having a hard time getting used to the controls. It allows you to practice with one player in an empty gym. Use this mode to familiarize yourself with the Freestyle system and for shot touch. This is especially useful when trying to find range and touch for threes. Select whatever player you need to work out with (including free agents), then head to the gym.
My NBA Live
This year's game brings My NBA Live to the table, where a veritable smorgasbord of NBA goodies await. This is where you'll wanna go to view your EA Bio, enter Codes and check out the EA Sports Hall of Fame, which logs several all-time user records. Keep reading for a breakdown of each section.
NBA Store
The NBA Store allows you to purchase items in four categories using Points you've earned by completing tasks during gameplay.
- Hardwood Classics: The Hardwood Classics selection will allow you to purchase several jerseys for each NBA team. The categories are split up along division lines, and each squad's jerseys can be viewed by navigating to the right, then scrolling through each style with the D-Pad. Some Classics are only available for use in Practice and One-on-One, and cost less. Others are available for all modes, and are a tad pricier.
- Shoes: From old school Jordans to new school Shox, this is where you'll get your kicks. All of them are Nikes, but there are tons of styles to go around, and you can also navigate to the right and change the color of each pair. Once you purchase shoes, you'll have to go to the Edit Player screen in Roster Management, and select Gear to change Home and Away shoes.
- Team Gear: Team Gear can be purchased and used in Play Now mode. There are two practice jerseys per squad on sale here--Home and Away. Grab them, then outfit your team on the Play Now team select screen.
- NBA Gear: All kinds of goodies await you here--from headbands to long socks. Again, once you've purchased this stuff, you'll have to go to the Edit Player screen to update your look.
NBA Codes
Here's where you'll enter codes you discover. Keep checking back to the Secrets section of this guide for Code info.
EA Sports Hall of Fame
Much like EA's NCAA game, Live allows you to take a look inside the trophy case. From this screen, you can view Team Awards, including Conference and NBA Championships, individual Player Awards, Team and NBA all-time records, and even check out the Retired Jerseys that have accrued during your Dynasty's tenure.
My Favorite Team
Want to change the skin that appears on all of the menu screens? Change it to reflect your current fave team, or make the selection "NBA" to see 'em all.
EA Sports Bio
If this is your first EA game of the year, you may not know what Bio is. Basically, it tracks all of your EA saves and combines them into one file. By playing multiple titles, and spending a lot of time playing EA products, you can unlock goodies for all of the games. The Bio for Live mostly unlocks shoes and other gear.