NBA The Run review: Uncovering the Hidden Crisis Threatening Basketball’s Future

Every major NBA star you could ask for is in the game. There are currently 40 NBA players in the game, with almost every team having at least one star player. In addition, there are throwback versions of LeBron James (Cavs rookie), Kevin Durant (Sonic rookie), Steph Curry (rookie), Luka Doncic (Mavs rookie), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Clippers rookie) with unique stats that better reflect where they began their NBA journey, compared to right now. Each of these players is defined not only by their stats, but unique animations that wildly change the makeup of a game. Sure, everyone has the same animation for a running three — but only Dame has a fadeaway from beyond the arc that’s very difficult to block.

These nuances are what make the game special. Composing a team is random unless you run with friends, but a solid team composition is everything to having success. Initially, I tried almost every player in the game to find someone who represented my style, finally settling on Amen Thompson as my go-to player. Thompson operates like a supporting piece, using his lockdown defense and solid passing to be a glue guy on a team with established scorers. I’m not looking to stuff the box score with scoring, but my success is measured through how I can effect the game with steals, blocks, and assists.

Spend more time with the game and the player nuance really lifts the experience to another level. It hurts when you’re up against a good Victor Wembanyama player who knows their block timing, and a good SGA player can be a nightmare on both ends of the floor — breaking ankles with his handling before driving to the bucket, then swiping the inbound pass for another easy bucket.

For all this praise there are unquestionably some pain points to the experience along the way. The decision not to have goaltending is fine, because it keeps games moving quickly — but this has been an area players have learned to exploit with Wemby, parking themselves under the hoops to snatch any three-point attempts that come their way. Last week the game released its first major roster update, adding AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer to the game — with all three being extremely problematic. Developers were so generous with their stats that they are immediately three of the best players in the game, with Dybantsa especially being so overpowered that he towers over every forward in the game.

Highlights

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