NBA THE RUN puts a unique spin on streetball by letting you control your entire 3v3 squad in Knockout Solos mode. Unlike Knockout Squads, where you manage just one player, Solos hands you full command of all three players on your side of the court. That changes everything about how you approach each possession, rotate your stars, and close out games. Here's what you need to know to stop losing and start running the court.
What is Knockout Solos in NBA The Run?
Knockout Solos is one of two core game modes in NBA The Run. The format is 3v3 streetball, but the key difference from Knockout Squads is total team control. You switch between all three players on your roster, calling the shots on offense and defense without relying on AI teammates to bail you out.
This mode rewards players who understand positioning, player matchups, and when to pull off the game's advanced moves. NBA The Run is built around arcade basketball with heavy emphasis on player expression, so Knockout Solos gives you the full toolkit to experiment.
Solos player select screen
How does Knockout Solos differ from Knockout Squads?
The table above makes it clear: Knockout Solos is the harder, more rewarding mode. You live and die by your own decisions.
Which NBA stars should you pick for Knockout Solos?
The game features over 30 NBA stars at full launch, and the beta alone includes a strong roster. Each player has their own playstyle, so building a balanced 3v3 squad matters more than just stacking the biggest names.
For Knockout Solos specifically, you want players who cover different roles so your squad handles every situation without gaps. The confirmed roster includes Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Jalen Brunson, LaMelo Ball, Scottie Barnes, Cooper Flagg, and Donovan Mitchell. The game also includes Street Legend Destiny "DJ" Jackson as a fictional streetball legend.
For a deeper breakdown of which players to prioritize and their best pairings, check out the NBA The Run best players guide for a full tier breakdown.
How to use advanced moves effectively in Knockout Solos
NBA The Run's arcade-style movement is where Knockout Solos gets interesting. The game gives you access to four different advanced dunks, taunts, new crossovers, Shammgods, and Slip N' Slides. In Solos, mastering these moves on all three of your players is what separates good players from great ones.
Here's how to approach the advanced move system:
- Crossovers and Shammgods are your primary tools for creating separation off the dribble. Use them when your defender is overplaying one side.
- Slip N' Slides work best in transition when you've got open space. Don't burn them in half-court sets where defenders are already set.
- Advanced dunks are high-risk, high-reward. Save them for when you have a clear lane or a significant size advantage.
- Taunts are part of the game's expression system. They don't affect stats, but they're part of the streetball culture NBA The Run is built around.
Because you're controlling all three players in Solos, practice switching quickly between your ball handler and your cutters. A well-timed switch lets you set up lob passes and backdoor cuts that AI defenders struggle to read.
Advanced dribble move controls
What platforms can you play NBA The Run on?
NBA The Run is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Cross-play is enabled across all three platforms, so your matchmaking pool in Knockout Solos includes players from every platform. The game officially launched on June 9th, 2026.
Two editions were available for pre-order at launch. The full game features a Run The World Tournament mode, 30+ NBA Stars, and five fictional streetball legends alongside the standard roster.
Cross-play enabled at launch
Tips for winning more matches in Knockout Solos
- Rotate your star players deliberately. Don't just control whoever has the ball. Switch to your best defender when the opponent drives, even if it means giving up ball control for a second.
- Learn each player's unique strengths. A player like Wembanyama plays completely differently from Ja Morant. Knowing which of your three players matches up best against a specific opponent is a big edge.
- Don't spam advanced moves. Overusing crossovers and Shammgods makes your offense predictable. Mix in straight drives and pull-up jumpers to keep defenders honest.
- Use taunts sparingly in competitive matches. They're fun, but they slow your transition game if you're burning animations after every basket.
- Watch your off-ball players. In Solos, your two AI-controlled players are still moving. Position them in spots where they're dangerous before you drive, so the defense has to make a choice.
For more strategies across all modes, the full NBA The Run strategy guides collection covers everything from player selection to tournament play.
NBA The Run sits in a crowded space among sports games, but the Knockout Solos format gives it a genuinely distinct identity. Full team control in a 3v3 arcade setting is a combination that rewards skill without requiring a full crew. Get your roster sorted, learn your advanced moves, and you'll be running the court in no time.