football scores today

When I first booted up NBA 2K19 after the 1.06 update went live, I immediately noticed something different about the shooting mechanics. As someone who's been playing this franchise since the early 2000s, I can tell you that these incremental updates often make or break the gaming experience. The latest patch, weighing in at approximately 7.2GB on PlayStation 4, addresses some critical issues that have been plaguing the community since launch. What struck me most was how Visual Concepts approached this update - not as a quick fix, but as part of their long-term vision for the game. It reminded me of that quote from de la Cruz about commitment: "It's a commitment, so you can finish all eight majors maybe in two to three years, or even five. We're in it for the long haul." That's exactly how I see 2K's approach to these updates - they're playing the long game, steadily refining the experience rather than rushing through fixes.

The shooting adjustments in this patch are arguably the most significant changes. Before update 1.06, I'd estimate about 40% of my contested shots would go in with mediocre shooters, which felt completely unrealistic. Now, heavily contested shots are significantly more difficult to make, requiring better shot selection and timing. The green release window feels tighter too, especially for players with ratings below 85 in shooting attributes. I've noticed that my MyPlayer, who has an 82 three-point rating, now misses more frequently when I release slightly early or late. This creates a more authentic basketball simulation where player ratings truly matter. The patch also tweaked the shot meter visibility, making it slightly more transparent but with better contrast against various court backgrounds. These might seem like minor adjustments, but they dramatically impact the flow of the game.

Another area where the update shines is in defensive responsiveness. Previously, there was this frustrating delay when switching defenders or attempting to close out on shooters. I clocked my reaction times before and after the patch using my phone's stopwatch - unscientific, I know - and found that defensive inputs now register about 0.3 seconds faster on average. This might not sound like much, but in a fast-break situation, it's the difference between a contested shot and an open look. The improved defensive AI means that CPU-controlled teammates actually play smarter help defense now. I've seen my center properly rotate to protect the rim while my power forward covers the perimeter - something that was hit-or-miss before the update.

The MyCareer mode received some love too, particularly in addressing progression pacing. Before this patch, I felt like I was grinding endlessly - needing approximately 120 hours of gameplay to reach 90 overall. Now, the VC earnings from endorsements have been increased by about 15%, and performance bonuses are more generous. This adjustment makes the progression feel more rewarding without completely eliminating the grind that gives the mode its longevity. It's that delicate balance between immediate gratification and long-term engagement that de la Cruz was talking about. The neighborhood activities also load faster now, cutting down those annoying transition screens that used to take up to 45 seconds between events.

Online play has seen substantial improvements in stability. Prior to update 1.06, I'd experience connection issues in roughly one out of every eight PlayNow Online games. Since installing the patch, I've played 32 consecutive matches without a single disconnect. The matchmaking seems smarter too, pairing me with opponents whose skill levels more closely match mine. In the Pro-Am mode, the frame rate issues that plagued the three-point arc have been largely resolved, creating smoother gameplay during crucial moments. These backend improvements might not be as flashy as new animations or updated rosters, but they're essential for maintaining a healthy online ecosystem.

Where I think the update falls slightly short is in addressing the microtransaction economy. While they've made progression somewhat faster, the VC prices for cosmetic items remain steep. A single pair of signature shoes still costs around 10,000 VC, which translates to about $5 of real money or several hours of gameplay. I would have preferred to see more significant adjustments here, perhaps reducing prices by 25-30% across the board. That said, the developers did fix several bugs related to purchased items not appearing in inventory - an issue that affected nearly 12% of players according to community reports.

The attention to detail in this patch extends to some lesser-known but appreciated fixes. The physics around loose balls feel more natural now, with collisions between players resulting in more believable animations. I've noticed that passes are less likely to clip through defenders' hands, and the steal mechanic has been fine-tuned to reduce foul frequency. Before the update, I'd average about 8.5 fouls per game when playing aggressive defense - now it's down to a more reasonable 5.2. Commentary lines have been refreshed too, with new dialogue specific to recent real-world NBA events, though I wish they'd added more than the estimated 47 new lines.

Looking at the bigger picture, update 1.06 represents Visual Concepts' commitment to iterative improvement rather than revolutionary change. They're not trying to reinvent the wheel with each patch but steadily polishing the experience. This approach mirrors the philosophy that meaningful development takes time - whether we're talking about basketball skills, game development, or completing multiple majors. The developers are clearly in it for the long haul, understanding that a great sports game evolves throughout its lifecycle. While no patch is perfect, this update addresses many community concerns while laying groundwork for future improvements. The shooting mechanics feel more balanced, defense is more responsive, and online play is more stable - these are meaningful steps forward that enhance the overall experience without fundamentally altering the game's identity.