NBA Mailbag: How Do Playoff-Chasing Teams Navigate Season’s Final Weeks?
NBC analyst and former NBA guard Jamal Crawford answered reader questions in a recent NBA Mailbag session. He previewed Sunday Night Basketball on NBC/Peacock. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, visit Dallas to face Luka Dončić and Cooper Flagg at 7:30 ET.
How playoff-chasing teams navigate the final weeks
Crawford described the season’s closing stretch as intense and strategic. Playoff-chasing teams focus on each game while monitoring the standings and scenarios.
He recalled a 2015 dinner watching the final night of the regular season. The Spurs had won 21 of their last 25 games, and teams were trying to avoid them in the first round.
Tactics and mindset
Teams balance immediate game plans with broader seed scenarios. Coaches and players study matchups and rest patterns in these final weeks.
Monitoring the standings becomes routine. Small adjustments can determine home-court advantage or a play-in berth.
Title contenders and wild cards
Crawford named five teams with strong title chances. His list included the Spurs, Celtics, Nuggets, Thunder, and Knicks.
He also called the Nuggets the biggest wild card. Their ceiling rises when they are fully healthy.
- Spurs — veteran depth and consistent play.
- Celtics — playoff experience and veteran IQ.
- Nuggets — elite when healthy, dangerous matchups.
- Thunder — youth and resilience from their recent title run.
- Knicks — physicality and defensive identity.
Play-In and first-round dangers
Crawford highlighted teams to avoid in a play-in matchup. In the West, he pointed to Golden State and Phoenix.
In the East, he named Orlando and Charlotte. Paolo Banchero and the Magic’s playoff rhythm drew special mention.
First-round outlook
The Nuggets, according to Crawford, do not fear any opponent. He quoted their coach saying, “No, I don’t care who we play.”
That confidence matters when seeding and early matchups are decided in the final weeks.
MVP race and underrated players
On the MVP race, Crawford said the field is deep. Multiple players are posting historic numbers for title contenders.
He noted that only one player wins, but many deliver MVP-caliber seasons. That context shapes narratives in the final stretch.
- Most underrated player: Stephon Castle, per Crawford.
- Underrated handle: Stephen Curry, for his shot-linked dribbling.
Team spotlights: Lakers, Pistons, Mavs, Hawks
The Lakers look built for postseason play when healthy. Crawford cited the lack of back-to-backs as a playoff advantage for LeBron James.
He praised their depth but questioned whether they can beat teams like Oklahoma City, San Antonio, or Denver.
The Pistons have captured attention in the East. Crawford warned that youth can struggle in May without Cade Cunningham healthy.
Dallas projects well for next season. With Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively, Crawford expects a playoff team.
The Hawks could emulate the 2007-08 squad that pushed Boston to seven games. Crawford suggested Atlanta could be dangerous in a short series.
On handles, creativity, and career notes
Crawford defended creative play over strict analytics. He said he stayed true to his style despite efficiency debates.
He traced his handle development to age 16. Growing from a smaller guard shaped his ball skills.
When asked who has better handles, he picked himself first. If he had to choose someone else, he named Kyrie Irving.
Broadcast insights and memorable moments
As a game analyst, Crawford studies small details like warmups and player interactions. Those moments reveal halftime adjustments and intent.
He singled out an example from a Lakers-Nuggets playoff game. AD and LeBron worked a pick-and-roll pocket pass at halftime and ran it immediately in the second half.
Light moments and viewer engagement
Crawford joked about breaking “millions” of ankles over his career. He also said he switched from a BlackBerry when he joined TNT in 2022.
He named Sarah Strong of UConn as his favorite player in this year’s March Madness. For a friendly 1-on-1 or HORSE, he chose LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards.
Filmogaz.com invited readers to submit questions for future NBA Mailbag sessions. Fans can send queries ahead of televised Sunday matchups.
