Just did some gameplay testing for the first time using MyLeague. I managed to implement the roster on the Start Today mode and got past the draft. I controlled all 30 teams and did all of the offseason moves for them (except for the staff).
Anyway, I played as the Mavs in the first game of the following season and got this:
I played with the full 12 minutes per quarter and as much as possible tried to slow the pace and run plays when necessary. Fast breaks or some quick plays were ran occasionally. I also used the User Shot Stick Timing instead of the Real Player % for the release timing because from previous experience I found it almost impossible to knock down consistent or consecutive shots outside the paint (especially from the 3PT line) which often just frustrated me and made me change my focus on attacking on the paint to at least get me points. This then usually lead to very high scoring games. This also gave me and the CPU the opportunity to make ridiculous shots which I find to be quite amusing.
Observations and other notes from the game:
- As you can see with the Lakers' box score, they had a terrible 3PT game which was understandable as the team lacked enough reliable shooters.
- I struggled scoring with Dennis Smith early in the game against Lonzo Ball due to his size so I delegated him to a more of a facilitator.
- You may not see it from the box score but I was always worried when Rondo came in as he would usually blow by Barea and Ferrell. However, without reliable bench scorers he would either pass out and not get an assist or drive and miss.
- Dirk got exposed for a short stretch by Randle as he would also outspeed him on the break or one-on-one.
- Same as real life, Powell was a liability in defending the rim and got torched by Lopez in the paint.
- Because of their lack of shooters, they often relied on driving and drawing fouls. Although somehow they were terrible at the free throw line.
- The Lakers' team fouls were quite low which should not be the case. Well I did rely on jumpshots most of the time though.
For the next game I wanted to see how the gameplay would fare with a
CPU vs CPU gameplay. And the game played much differently although the final score was not too far different with the previous game. To be honest I didn't watch all of it since was also browsing some stuff at the same time.
Observations and other notes from portions of the game I watched:
- Lots of terrible contested shots were attempted on both sides.
- Although it did feel like watching an actual game.
- Walker was entertaining to watch as he would often dribble and blow by defenders and either land a sweet midrange pullup or drive to the lane uncontested.
- Babbit took over the 1st quarter and was benched.
- Not a lot of 3PT attempts from both teams which was disappointing
- Although I did notice both were attempting 3PT shots in different ways. The Heat mostly relied on landing wide open threes after off-ball screens while the Hornets employed drive-and-kick plays with MCW or Walker driving and passing it to either Batum, Williams, and Kaminsky (1 time) (whether they were in the playbook or not I'm not sure).
- The Heat often fed the ball to Whiteside or Gibson in the paint.
EDIT: Grammar