Four games are tied for an 87-rated rating. NBA 2K14 through 2K16 all scored with NBA 2K22 MT the same which proved the consistency of the team. 2K14 included the LeBron James: Path to Greatness mode and Euroleague teams. The game also featured an incredible soundtrack. 2K15 did not introduce a lot of innovative stuff, but it did add to what worked. 2K16 was notable in the manner in which it introduced the concept of creating a custom MyLeague including things like moving franchises. It also allowed players to make their own leagues. MyCareer mode was also an experience that is unique in the current era.

The fourth game tied with an score of 87 is NBA 2K18. This game earns a spot in its own right, considering that the lowest score it got on any platform was the Nintendo Switch score of 74. This is more than the previous games' lowest scores. This game has Kyrie Irving on the cover.

Since 2K was operating in the "if you can't fix it do not fix it" mode this game only had minor adjustments. They also added some intriguing elements such as Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant as commentators, as well as classic teams. But the most interesting thing was the addition of All-Time Teams, putting together teams from the greatest franchises' players.

There are three games tied at 89. The first is NBA 2K3, which dates to Buy 2K22 MT the start of the series. They had a great start and kept some of the game elements that had earned them favorable reviews up until now. They retained Allen Iverson the cover athlete.