NBA Live 97 is a basketball game that focuses on being realistic. You can select from all of the NBA teams, build a team using players you create yourself, or choose a team made up of All-Star players from both coasts. When building your own player, you can customize them to a great extent. There are over 60 different offensive and 10 defensive set-ups. Options for matches include playing an exhibition game, following a whole season, or participating in the playoffs.
The gameplay involves a combination of quick reflexes and strategy. Players must work together as a team, using their unique skills to outmaneuver opponents. With multiple playable teams and players to choose from, you'll need to adapt your tactics to succeed. The game's emphasis on realism adds an extra layer of challenge, requiring you to think carefully about each play.