NBA 2k16 Pt.1

NBA 2k16 is a video game based off of the NBA in the 2016 season.  This review is for the Xbox One Edition. The game goes so in-depth to reality (just like the Madden series) with accurate commentary, extremely realistic graphics, and an awesome soundtrack.  I am a big fan of games with multiple modes; and this game has quite a few. Let’s start with MyCareer. MyCareer is basically a journey through your career from High School to the NBA. Of course there aren’t 82 games per season (until you get to the NBA), but the majority of the features are customizable; your character, their outfit, and the high school and college you want to go too (you have to chose from specific ones). From there you play through to the NBA and earn VC (the in-game currency) and buy items for your character. The next mode is called MyTeam. MyTeam is a mode where you take low ranking cards, win games and earn VC, then upgrade by buying packs of cards. This is very similar to Madden Ultimate Team, except this is basketball of course. You can even customize the logos, color schemes, the coach, jersey styles and even the arena. I think I will end this here and continue another week as there are more modes (still as fun)to cover.

Cleveland Cavaliers Update

The Cleveland Cavaliers are sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-11, and a team that seems to finally be figuring things out. Coming off of a 13 point win against the L.A. Clippers, the Cavs made a shocking move by firing 2nd year head coach David Blatt. He led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and to a 53-29 record last year. Assistant coach Tyronn Lue has signed a 4 year deal reportedly worth $9.5 million.  Despite being 3.5 games ahead of the No.2 seed (Toronto Raptors) the Cavs still have problems with their Big Three’s efficiency. The core root of their problem starts with Kevin Love’s post and interior defense.  He just lacks the speed of today’s small forwards and power forwards. This was evident in the 34 point blowout loss to GSW. Most reports and articles out there say that Cleveland should just trade him. He has a great jump shot making him a duel-threat player on offense, his defense is the Cavaliers’ primary concern. This year (so far) we have seen a less giving Lebron James trying to fill in for the slowly returning Kyrie Irving. Next game is against the Chicago Bulls. This one is sure to be a physical matchup in a battle of the Eastern Conference’s Elite.

Arizona Cardinals Update

For this week's blog I would like to give an update on the Arizona Cardinals (a.k.a the best team in the NFC West). Yet another stellar season so far by Cardinals, but it's not over yet because they are in the playoffs. Let's start with Carson Palmer, the 36 year old quarterback who experts say is having best season of his career. Carson has some deep threats with real speed running on the outside. But then there are the slower but more reliable receivers running everywhere else but with the same explosiveness, one which is Larry Fitzgerald, the 32 year old receiver who can make big plays if you put the ball in his hands. This season he set a Cardinals record by getting 1000 yards for 7 seasons. I think the real key to the Cardinals 13-3 record is their defense. The Cardinals defense is ranked 5th in league for just about every category. Some of their stars are: Tyrann Mathieu, and Patrick Peterson. This season Tyrann was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, and a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. When it is a safety blitz, Tyrann is almost guarenteed to get a sack. And then there is Patrick Peterson the lockdown cornerback who is also being considered for Defensive Player of the Year. Peterson has held almost every receiver he has went agains to under 40 yards. Considering he lines up with best receiver everytime that's pretty impressive. Next week the Cardinals take on the Green Bay Packers in their first playoff test.