Fi.ylred up the console, went straight into play now, picked OKC. My first few games were rough. I tried to do his usual drives, the way he snakes through traffic, but the controls felt a bit off, or maybe it was just me. His animations are unique, that much is true. But getting the timing right, especially on his step-backs and floaters, wasn't clicking immediately.
Spent some t wonk ime just messing around in 2KU, the practice mode. Trying to get his dribble rhythm down. He has this herky-jerky but smooth style, hard to explain. Found a few combos that felt kinda like him, using hesitation moves and crossovers. The signature size-up escape package helps, but you gotta know how to use it, not just spam it.
Then I took him into MyTeam. Got a decent SGA card, not the best one, but usable. Played a few online games. Man, that was a different experience. People online don't play defense like the AI. They just reach constantly or sit back in a zone. Trying to use SGA's craftiness, his midrange game, felt almost pointless sometimes. It was easier just to try and blow by everyone or shoot a three, which isn't really his whole game.
It got frustrating. I put in the time to learn his moves, watch his highlights, try to play smart basketball with him. But the game environment, especially online, often rewards other playstyles more. It's like, you want to appreciate the nuance, but the meta pushes you towards something simpler, maybe more 'effective' in the game's context.
I kept practicing though. Focused on getting better with his shot timing, learning which dribble moves created space against human opponents. Had some success eventually. Started hitting those tough leaning shots, getting crafty finishes around the rim. It felt good when it worked, like I’d actually accomplished something.
Overall, the process was interesting. It wasn't just about learning button combos; it was about trying to capture the feel of a player within the game's limits. SGA in 2K is good, no doubt. But making him play exactly like the real SGA? That takes a lot of patience and practice, and even then, the game itself has its own way of doing things. Still, it was a decent way to spend some time, trying to master one specific player.
