Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

[JohnDoe8865]

I'm having a lot of competitive games ... except for the 3rd quarter.

The script usually goes like this - Me and the CPU go back and forth in the 1st quarter, feeling each other out. I make some adjustments on defense in the 2nd and we usually play close in the 2nd within a 5 point margin at halftime.

3rd quarter comes, and suddenly I can't buy a shot. I try driving to the hoop with my best wing player and can't get a call on contact. Now I start pressing the action and throw the ball away or make a bad pass. Suddenly I find myself down by 10-20 pts going into the 4th. It doesn't matter if it's home or away, doesn't matter if I'm the Lakers/Heat or the T-Wolves/76ers.

4th quarter I usually make a good run, however because I'm so far down in the 3rd quarter, I can't make it close enough to matter. I usually lose by 10-12 pts.

It's frustrating, because I play the game the right way. I use the team strategy of whatever team I using (I like to play with all of the teams in quickplay), I make defensive adjustments on who is hot, slumping, etc. I call plays for my best players. I play inside/out and take advantage of size/quickness matchups.

I can't understand why I'm 3-16 according to my VIP. I've won once with Milwaukee, once with Utah, and once with Orlando I think. I play on Pro/Default with very few minor slider changes, mostly to increase fouls.

I know OS has a lot of very talented gamers, I'm an old guy here but I'm not ashamed to ask for a little help. I really like 2k11, but I'm so sick of losing. I'm looking for strategy or help in dealing with the 3rd quarter runs by the CPU AI.

VIP breakdown has me shooting 41% and making 7 FTs a game out of 10 attempts. I hit 5 3pt shots a game on average. I play 12 min quarters and use real shot % for shooting and FTs.

[JrDoubleHockeySticks]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

I've honestly never had this scenario happen to me, someone should record themselves playing and post a video of this for real evaluation. Plus, everyone's style of play differentiates so you would also have to go in depth with details of that (run n gun, half court, etc.), also i don't play with the Real shot %, just free throw % so i wouldn't be of much help for you. But i can say this, maybe playing more can help you. Just keep playing and you'll get over the hump

[JohnDoe8865]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

That's the thing, I've been playing this series regularly since 2k3 on XBox. I played 2k10 to death! I should know how to beat the CPU AI on Pro, lol.

I play a half-court tempo, but I will break off of long misses. VIP says I prefer a slow tempo, but I don't really feel like I play THAT slow. Thanks for the response though.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

I noticed it as well. AI always makes a run in the 3rd quarter. But in defense of what we may call AI cheating most teams that win often win because of a solid 3rd quarter.

When i notice the AI starting their run I call a TO and then slow the game down. I play very conservatively and really make an increased effort to get to the charity stripe. If their stars are on the bench with foul trouble it decreases the chances of going on a run. I am very safe with my passes and give the ball to my best scorers.

My best advice would be not to get frustrated or caught up in the run and don't try to match them. Just relax and keep playing your game and focus on doing what works. Do not get frustrated because you will have turnovers and that will propel the AI on a serious run. Call TOs liberally. I probably call half of my TOs in the 3rd.

Edit: What sliders are you using? Your FT shots are very low. But if you are trying to get to the line they should be higher. Much higher. Attacking the rim is not as effective if fouls are not being called.

[Eirsej]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Try to turn clutch factor off. Maybe it will stop the AI from making ridiculous runs.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Try to turn clutch factor off. Maybe it will stop the AI from making ridiculous runs.

Noooo, leave it on. It adds to the excitement of the game.

The runs are not ridiculous; they can be stopped if you remain focused just like in the real NBA. In years past if you get a good lead in the 1st half you can cruise through the game, not anymore though.

[Blooddiamond4]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

This post made me register and reply because this truly happens every game.

Your first step is from the tip you must go all out and gain as big a lead as possible, because the CPU will come back around the end of the first beginning of the second once they pick their offense up and start going to their star players

When the CPU makes a run u must remain calm and play your game. Do not let them rush you into bad shots and turnovers because your 15+ lead can turn into a 15 point deficit in minutes.

In the third KEEP THE OTHER TEAM OFF THE OFFENSIVE GLASS. This is probably the most important thin u can do. ESP since big men have unrealistic leaping ability and finishing ability under the basket.

LIMIT YOUR TURNOVERS is the second most important because when the CPU is on the break they will score 75 percent of the time.

Also don't underestimate the other team at any point of the game. I play on all star default and I was playing against the lakers with my bulls. I got off to a 11-0 lead and I let off the gas because I felt the game was getting easy and considered upping the difficulty level because Kobe wasn't playing like Kobe. Before I knew it I was down by 18 and Kobe had hung 30 on me.

[Golds]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Noooo, leave it on. It adds to the excitement of the game.

The runs are not ridiculous; they can be stopped if you remain focused just like in the real NBA. In years past if you get a good lead in the 1st half you can cruise through the game, not anymore though.

No, turn off clutch factor and the cpu will not do insane runs where you randomly get "cold." The AI will still be challenging and execute scoring runs but the 3rd qtr stuff won't happen. That happened to me EVERY game in 2k9.

[Rocboyz101]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Turn clutch factor off, and the slider to zero. Clutch factor exaggerates the runs. They still make runs with it off, but its a little mroe reasonable, and you can break out of the slumps. Clutch= CPU sudden boost.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

I would love to hear from a 2K Dev on Clutch factor to get a true definition on what this option/slider does.

[luckeeloo]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Yeah, it's just really predictable bursts of god-mode, especially on Hall of Fame. The CPU always finds a way. You can beat it of course, but it doesn't seem right. You start to lose rebounds you're in position to grab and CPU starts hitting nasty shots with 2 guys in his face, 3s rain down, lots of AND1's... Yuck.

Kill that Clutch Factor and the game seems to have a better flow. Blowouts are more likely too, especially against other human players. With it on, my games against friends almost always come down to a buzzer beater.

[Chairman7w]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Me too, Armor!

I would love to hear from a 2K Dev on Clutch factor to get a true definition on what this option/slider does.

[..GameOver..]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

It is funny that you are having issues with the 3rd quarter. I usually put on my big runs in the 3rd quarter and either suck completely in the 4th or do just enough to pull out a win in the 4th. I suppose my scenario is different.

[erickonasis]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Try to turn clutch factor off. Maybe it will stop the AI from making ridiculous runs.

dont do that...

slow the ball down ...call for an iso play with your best player you use a pick and roll..1 made basket when they are on a run sometimes makes them call a time out...when your ahead play EXTREMELY conservative

[Humble_Thyself]

Re: Tips for the 3rd Quarter AI Run?

Getting back to some actual tips...

How is your post game? Are you running a variety of plays and handpicking 4-5 money options you know by heart? Are you taking advantage of mismatches?

If you're only shooting 40% from the field, it sounds like you're not getting quality looks as often as you need to. My biggest advice is to first make sure you have a well-rounded game.

1) Make sure your post game is up to snuff...hit practice mode, master all of the moves...you will draw a TON more fouls this way and will get much higher FG%...keep in mind you don't have to use only your bigs for this...if you have a SG/SF that is strong in the post, exploit mismatches
2) Go into the playbooks option, pick out 4-5 money plays that can get you good looks at 3, mid range j's, iso's, and high post positions. I run plays 60% of the time...this year in 2k11, running plays helps your offense tremendously...where in years past, it wasn't that much of an aid...it's a very deliberate way to attack the defense and will result in a higher shot %.
3) An obvious point, but make sure your shot stick timing is on point with your shooters...turn shot timing feedback on in a few games to make sure you're hitting green on your shots.
4) Lastly, for defense, try mixing up your strategy..***n zone a few games, run a fullcourt press, mix it up.

Hope this helps you.