It rated the game five out of five stars, concluding, "While the action and graphics in Slam 'N' Jam ... for 3DO are still superior, NBA Live '96 for the Genesis is the best basketball simulation out there, anywhere."
The reviewer gave the game a perfect score, saying that while the gameplay and graphics in Slam 'N' Jam were still better, NBA Live '96 for the Genesis was the most realistic basketball simulation available.