I suck at this game! Please help!

[feldy]

Okay, I've had this game for a couple weeks now, and I downloaded all of the updated rosters from this site (which is AWESOME, BTW), but I just can't seem to win very many games. I'm using the PC version of Live 06, and I'm starting a Dynasty using the Indiana Pacers on the All Star level.

I think I drafted a really good team:
C: Lamarcus Aldridge
F: Chris Bosh
F: Carmello Anthony
G: Kevin Martin
G: Raymond Felton

Bench: Reggie Evans, Marvin Williams, Jason Kapono, James Jones, Matt Carroll, Marquis Daniels, Joakim Noah

My first problem, is that I can't seem to stop anyone on defense. The computer seems to give the ball to whoever I'm guarding and then just abuses me. I can understand that a guy like Vince Carter or Iverson could light up for 30+, but in my last game Brent Barry torched me for 35. My best strategy thus far seems to be using the PG to hawk the passing lanes and generate some turnovers - however if I miss, it leaves my man wide open! And when I do get a stop defensively, often the other team is right there to get the offensive rebound. It's maddening.

On offense, my seemingly gifted players are just average. Kevin Martin always seems to take these half-assed fadeaway 3's even if he's wide open or uses a pump-fake. Bosh is usually getting double teamed, Felton rarely hits an outside shot and I can't figure out if Melo is better in the post or for mid-range shots. I rarely can get any drives to the hoop because the opponent clogs the lane with at least two players! And sometimes I'll have a guy wide open, and use the pass+directional button, but the pass goes cross-court resulting in a fast break for the other team.

Oh, and I haven't used any set plays yet - but I'm hoping to figure that out later today. Hopefully I'll have some good results.

Despite my struggles at times, I've also gotten some big leads. I think I've pretty much mastered the fast-break alley-oop. Last night I had a 25 point lead in the 2nd quarter, but totally blew it over the 2nd half because the other team just kept making rediculous shots.

Are these highs/lows a result of having such a young team? Or do I just suck at this game? Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks in advance.

[debiler]

You don't suck. But it takes some games to get into it. I've been playing this game for 2 years now and I still lose a fair amount of games. Here's some advice:

- Fight for every ball. The CPU will still get many offensive rebounds and therefore easy points, but if you defend really hard, you'll see the results soon.

- Take wide open shots from outside. I've learned that it's often better to receive a pass, move 1-2 steps closer to the arc and then shoot it. If you played it well, you'll have the time.

- Don't force threes. Take them if you get them. Especially with Jones and Kapono.

- Use your time on offense.

- If possible, throw safe passes.

- Get the opponent's key players in foul trouble early on, so they have to be replaced.

- Use the plays. Once you get used to it, you'll find much more open shots.

- When you're running out of time, a fadeaway jumper with a decent shooter from just outside the key is a good option.

[Andrew]

I'd also recommend using Direct Passing rather than the direction + pass method, since Direct Passing is much more precise. That's not to say nothing can go wrong but if you want to pass it to a player in the post, if you use Direct Pass and press the right button that's where the pass is going, though obviously there are some circumstances where the intended recepient won't get the ball (intercepted by the defense, unable to get to the pass because he's tangled with the defender, etc).

Be wary of the comeback logic. NBA Live 06's logic (also known as the "comeback code") allows the CPU to catch up and cut into big leads, often by hitting all kinds of shots they probably shouldn't. When this happens, you'll need to be on your toes, take care of the ball and take good, high percentage shots (if you really get stuck, getting cheesy with Freestyle Superstars can keep you afloat).

[feldy]

Hey thanks for the help Andrew & debiler. I tried using some plays yesterday and I can already tell they make a big difference even though I don't execute them properly most of the time.

I think my major problem in the past is that I was trying to get certain players x number of shots and points, no matter how well defended they were....but just finding the open man and not forcing the action seems to be the way to go -- at least until I can figure out some better isolation/1-on-1 moves.

And the direct passing is a bit tough to get used to, but I imagine it will take some time.

I've also read through many of the posts on this forum - people who have had a lot of the same issues that I do, and for the most part the answers have really helped me out.

Thanks again man!

[Andrew]

You're welcome. Trying to get numbers sometimes does take you out of a good gameplan, as in real life you sometimes need to take the game as it comes. Needless to say, if you've got a prolific scorer like LeBron or Kobe, points will come easier but if you try to force things you can easily shoot yourself out of the game.

[JvMatt]

Yes its kind of hard with superstar and all-star, i play with starter but its not very easy, when i win i usually win by 8-12 and sometimes i lose with 12 so i like starter more than all-star

[obliviousky]

The best way is to master how to steal the ball from the pg guard is you have a FSS point guard with outside stopper. Also in case of pg being pouring points over you just use double team strategy. When you master steal, your game becomes really manipulative. My jordan has 12 steal per game, and I only play 4th quarter.