Since mid-March, the Phoenix Suns have been presenting simulated regular-season games through NBA 2K contests roping in various athletes and luminaries controlling the teams. They were essentially the first sports team to attempt this after the NBA season paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Suns were at the forefront of content creation for not just the NBA, but for all sports leagues that had delayed or canceled their seasons. Multiple teams have followed suit, but the Suns were certainly leading the charge.
A great deal of thought was put into each matchup. For each regular-season game simulation, there was typically a connection to the cities involved. The most intertwined matchup of the regular-season simulation stretch was when Suns player Mikal Bridges, controlled his team against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Viewership numbers overall have been seen as a resounding success by the Suns’ organization.
“It’s been probably one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of this strange period that we’re in,” said Dean Stoyer, the Suns’ chief marketing and communications officer. “Every week, we had responses from other teams and leagues asking us how we’ve been so successful.”
[image credit : Twitter]
