HIGHLIGHTS
In NBA 2K23, the Jordan Challenge consists of 15 unique game experiences, from Jordan's humble beginnings at the University of North Carolina to its peak with the final shot for the Chicago Bulls, a shot that earned him his sixth NBA championship title. This comprehensive presentation pack is the richest we've ever made, and each game can be seen, felt and heard as if it were set in the very year it took place. This experience will introduce you to:
A complex video filter system designed to recreate the experience of watching these matches on TV as they were shown in the 1980s and 1990s, with each decade providing a unique viewing experience.
Vintage broadcast elements that truly capture the technology used in every game. In 1982, you will experience a broadcast of very simple design and nature, with large block letters and few graphics. As you progress to the 1990s, you'll start to see presentation evolve, as does technology, by leaps and bounds. In this area, you have to see it to believe it... and you won't believe your eyes...
A viewing that immerses you in the heart of the atmosphere and the setting of each match to offer a truly incomparable experience. For the comments to be believable, it takes the talent of someone who was there, who witnessed the whole story of Jordan without missing a beat. That's why legendary coach and analyst Mike Fratello, nicknamed the Czar, has joined the Jordan Challenge commentary team in NBA 2K23. Fratello's expertise and unique stories bring unparalleled authenticity to matches and exemplify our commitment to improving the look and experience of these matches so that they are...the way they should be.
From North Carolina…Leader…1 meter 98…MICHAEL JORDANNNNNN! We've all seen the Bulls' legendary major 5 presentations to the sound of unforgettable commentary from Ray Clay. In order to recreate this exhilarating moment, we tracked down a whole series of announcements from Ray Clay to include him as the Bulls' official game announcer in the 1990s, when he was televised all over the world. No presentation of the Bulls' major 5 would be complete without the Alan Parsons Project song "Sirius" broadcast throughout the stadium as each player announces. We have overlooked no detail to provide you with a completely authentic experience!
Each of the 15 Jordan Challenge matches includes a pre-match interview with a celebrity who helped make each of these matches so special. Who can tell the story of Michael Jordan better than his teammates, coaches and game commentators? During your experience, you will have the chance to meet great figures such as Marv Albert (commentator on the field of the game The Shrug), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (opposing player during the All-Star game in Chicago in 1988), Dennis Rodman (opposing player in the match against the Bad Boys), Phil Jackson (coach of the match The Last Dance), and many others. We are sure that this detail will be for you the icing on the cake of a truly exceptional and unforgettable narrative experience.
Each of the 15 challenges offers you three objectives to achieve. Completing a goal earns you a Star. 40 Stars allow you to unlock unique rewards, for MyTEAM and MyCAREER modes. If you want to walk through The City and The Neighborhood in a Jordan UNC jersey, there's only one place you can get it…
Our approach of including EVERYTHING we can think of doesn't stop with what we just mentioned. What good is all this if the experience on the pitch is not up to the way games were played in those days? Let’s see this in more detail…
GAME AUTHENTICITY
Basketball has evolved tremendously over the past 40 years. Improving the Jordan Challenge on-court experience has been a top priority for the team this year. The Jordan Challenge isn't just a modernized version of the game with classic teams and uniforms. We've explored, researched, and made major changes to the game to fit every era, so that every game is a time travel through NBA history.
First, the game was much slower in Jordan's time. In 1980s games, you will notice that the game focuses much more on post and mid-range play. This is possible thanks to slider settings, AI, trends and game tactics specific to that era. We also changed our transition game for the 1980s. The transition lanes there are narrower and more players cut to the basket with a power play, instead of the search for three-point shots that characterizes the NBA of today.
You can replicate the patterns of some of the greatest coaches in NBA history: Jack Ramsay, Hubie Brown, Dick Motta, Lenny Wilkens, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Rick Adelman and many more. Defensively, we've revamped our matchup logic so that when Jordan plays Dominique Wilkins, they go head-to-head and try to outplay each other in the Shootout challenge. For other games, you will discover more complex cross matches. When playing Jordan against the Cavaliers, Winston Bennett defends on Jordan, Jordan takes on Craig Ehlo, Ehlo defends on Scottie Pippen, and Pippen defends on Bennett. If you are able to score points efficiently enough, Ehlo will take over the defense against Jordan.
The basketball of the 1980s and 1990s was much more physical than today, which is faithfully reproduced in the ground game and on the racket. Hand contact and hard hitting make one-on-one duels look completely different than today's more fluid game. We have also ensured that all rules (like illegal defense) are accurately represented for each particular encounter. Playing with Jordan against the Pistons' "Bad Boys" is arguably the most obvious example of old-school basketball physicality. The Pistons will use their famous "Jordan Rules", a set of defensive strategies used to try to contain it.
When it comes to distinctive styles, we've made the biggest improvement yet. Magic Johnson treats us to his back passes, and many iconic players have all-new jump shots, double steps, and dunks. We've also done everything we can to make sure our dribbling and finishing moves are right for the times. That means moves like the "shammgod" crossover and "euro-step" layups don't fall flat in Jordan Challenge games. And of course, the Jordan Challenge wouldn't be complete without capturing some of the great moments everyone remembers: Jordan's famous shrug against Portland, the flu game of the 1997 finals, the shot at Ehlo and Jordan's famous winning basket over Bryon Russell to win his last league title. These are just some of the memories that have been faithfully recreated in NBA 2K23.
THE JORDAN CHALLENGES
1. 1982 College Championship Final: University of North Carolina vs. georgetown
1982 National Championship: University of North Carolina vs. Georgetown
The 1982 college championship was marked by future Hall of Famers, legendary matches and a glimpse of Michael Jordan's clutch genius. Trailing 62-61 with less than 20 seconds remaining, MJ, a freshman Tar Heel, gave his team the title with a jump shot 15 seconds from time. Many players, and not just freshmen, would have cracked under the lights and pressure of a national final, but not number 23. Relive Jordan's iconic first shot as you immerse yourself in the magic of the college championship of 1982.
2. Team USA 1984 practice game
1984 Team USA Basketball Scrimmage
67 fans packed the Hoosier Dome in 596 to watch a titanic battle between NBA players as the United States Olympic team, led by Michael Jordan, took on Magic Johnson and the All-Stars of the NBA. In a game that featured basketball legends like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Isiah Thomas and more, Jordan proved that even as a rookie he was capable of beating some of the NBA's biggest stars.
3. Game 2 of the 1986 Eastern Conference Playoffs First Round
1986 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 2
During his second series of NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan, then aged 22, showed incredible composure against the fearsome Boston Celtics. MJ's dominance in Game 63 has become legendary, teaching Larry Bird and his teammates a lesson with 2 points on the clock. Jordan was nearly unstoppable, pulling off acrobatic layups through towering defenders and hitting shot after shot. Relive Jordan's historic offense in NBA 23KXNUMX.
4. NBA All-Star Game 1988
1988 NBA All-Star Game
Despite only playing 29 minutes, Michael Jordan finished as the top scorer with 40 points and a .0,739 field goal percentage. Play as Son Airnesse and compete against Western Conference All-Stars including Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and many more.
5. Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Playoffs First Round
1989 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5
Knockout matches are the ultimate test for any competitor looking to establish themselves as a clutch player. The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers were tied 2-2 going into the deciding Game 44 in Cleveland, which would see a masterful performance from Jordan. The North Carolina native had XNUMX points, nine rebounds and six assists against the Cavs, giving his team a one-point victory and the qualification. Use Jordan's many skills to dash Cleveland's playoff hopes.
6. Reception of the Atlanta Hawks by the Chicago Bulls 1990
1990 Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls
When we think back to Jordan's many memorable face-to-faces, it's impossible to ignore his confrontations with Dominique Wilkins. Against one of the best point guards in Atlanta Hawks history, Jordan averaged 31,6 points, 7,1 rebounds and 6,2 assists in 45 games. For his part, Wilkins has averaged 29,8 points and 6,8 rebounds against Michael Jordan during his career. The meeting between the two players was a clash of titans, which you can relive in the Jordan Challenge.
7. Reception of the Chicago Bulls by the Cleveland Cavaliers 1990
1990 Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
Jordan had some of his best games against the Cavs, but none were more impressive than his 69-point run. For 50 minutes, Jordan gave a lecture on scoring, rebounds and assists, finishing the game with a career-high 69 points and 18 rebounds. Jordan shone with his consistency on shots, scoring 23 baskets, while making 21 of his 23 free throws. Relive one of the league's most memorable moments by re-enacting its historic game.
8. 3 Eastern Conference Finals Game 1990
1990 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3
In the early '90s, the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons cordially hated each other, and their rivalry came to a head in Game 1989 of the 1 Eastern Conference Finals. With the series tied 1-46, Jordan led his team to victory in the best possible way, scoring XNUMX points and adding five steals to top it all off. Relive this Eastern Conference heavyweight duel in front of the cheering Chicago crowd.
9. 5 NBA Finals Game 1991
1991 NBA Finals, Game 5
Jordan finally lifts his first Larry O'Brien trophy by defeating the Showtime Lakers, led by Magic Johnson. For six years, the coveted championship title eluded Jordan, despite his best efforts. At 27, the playmaker proved he was worthy of the very high expectations placed on him by beating a team of future Hall of Famers. Immerse yourself in the limelight as confetti and streamers fall at your feet.
10. 1 NBA Finals Game 1992
1992 NBA Finals, Game 1
Once his first title in his pocket, Jordan never stopped getting new rings. For his second straight appearance in the NBA Finals, Jordan set the tone early on against the Portland Trailblazers, putting the game out of reach by the end of the first half. MJ finished top scorer with 39 points, contributing to the Bulls' landslide victory by 33 points.
11. Reception of the Chicago Bulls by the New York Knicks 1995
1995 Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
Two former college rivals face off again, this time in the basketball mecca of Madison Square Garden. At the top of their game, Jordan and Patrick Ewing offer the fans present that day the best of themselves, exchanging baskets and nudges in a fierce duel. Ewing's 36 points would have been enough to beat any other team on an ordinary night, but Jordan's 55 points proved too much to take. This match is another reminder of Jordan's greatness, and you can experience it firsthand.
12. 6 NBA Finals Game 1996
1996 NBA Finals, Game 6
Michael Jordan's fourth championship title was undoubtedly the most difficult to conquer. Facing a Seattle Supersonics team led by defender Gary Payton, nicknamed “The Glove”, every possession was a real fight. Payton did his best to smother Jordan throughout the series, managing to limit him to a .0,263 shooting percentage in Game XNUMX, but the offensive genius found a way to thwart the Supersonics' plan to grab a hold. of the title. Rack your brains to win the trophy in an intense confrontation against formidable opponents.
13. 5 NBA Finals Game 1997
1997 NBA Finals, Game 5
Worn down by the flu and about to throw in the towel, Michael Jordan battled fever and fatigue for 44 minutes and 17 seconds against the Utah Jazz. The infamous "Flu Game" is legendary and considered one of Jordan's best games. In Game 16, the Bulls were in an unenviable situation, trailing by 38 points. Jordan managed to bring his team within reach and eventually snatched the victory. When the clock struck, Jordan had XNUMX points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He really gave his all on the pitch.
14. Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1997
1997 Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant arrived in the NBA with an attitude and a poise strongly reminiscent of Michael Jordan, but was he his heir to the throne? Bryant, who had grown up revering Jordan, tackled his idol throughout the game, determined to prove himself worthy of taking up the mantle. The Lower Merion High School prodigy had 33 points against MJ and the Bulls, but Jordan's 36 points reminded him that the latter still reigned supreme. Teach young Bryant a few tricks to score a blowout victory.
15. 6 NBA Finals Game 1998
1998 NBA Finals, Game 6
Deciding that their 1997 NBA Finals showdown wasn't enough, the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls did it again in 1998. All but one of the series' games were decided by five points or less, offering particularly thrilling endgames. The sixth match was the apotheosis. With 45 points, Jordan cemented his legendary status and claimed his sixth league title by knocking out Bryon Russell with a deadly crossover and a game-winning field goal five seconds from time. Recapture the magic of those final moments and celebrate one of Jordan's greatest feats.
