I think there's different kinds of "too hard". I typically don't mind getting beaten by better basketball. But I do have an issue when I'm beaten by programmed compensations.
In 2K17, I still have nightmares of timing a block attempt perfectly with Ben Wallace, only for the game to choose a conveniently slow jumping animation that'd allow an offensive player to narrowly slip a layup over his finger tips.
In 2K18, that compensation came in the form of nerfed point blank jump hooks and shot attempts in the paint to balance inside scoring.
So far in 2K19, perhaps in an effort to combat what some felt to be drives that were too accessible and successful in 2K18, there seems to be some over-compensation in terms of defensive sliding, limited offensive explosion, and a touch of the ol' brick wall defensive routine. Moreover, I've experienced some games so far where my point guard can't even reliably call a play without leaving the ball briefly exposed and having it poked away.
Those compensations aren't better basketball. Rather, they're just handicaps to prevent folks from being too effective. And I get it, you sort of need those handicaps when you're trying to create a balanced video game simulation of a real life activity, but they're handicaps nonetheless.
I'm still in the midst of feeling 2K19 out so I'm not ready to make any sweeping conclusions (I've been doing a lot of roster editing instead). As it stands right now, Pro seems to be way too easy of a difficulty but All-Star seems to start introducing a lot more video game fixes as opposed to improved computer basketball tendencies (Chauncey Billups suddenly can't protect the basketball and call a play at the same time on one end, defenders constantly lose their man via backdoor cut and watch the opposing point guard rifle 50-foot passes on the money for point blank layups as a result on the other).
When it's all said and done, I'm hoping I can find a suitable balance with sliders, but I can comfortably say that I don't think my issue is related to a supposed lack of basketball knowledge and understanding.
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