As I sit down to reflect on this NBA season, I can't help but marvel at the sheer spectacle we've witnessed. The court has been nothing short of a theater where drama, skill, and unpredictability have played out in equal measure. While basketball remains my first love, I've always found parallels between the NBA and other sports—including the world of professional pool, where comebacks like Johann Chua and his partner’s stunning 5-2 rally against Gorst and Jayson Shaw remind us that no lead is ever truly safe. That same spirit of resilience has defined this NBA season, making it one for the books. Let me walk you through the top five must-watch games and the key insights I’ve gathered, both as a longtime analyst and an unabashed fan of the game.
First on my list has to be the clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics back in January. The game was tied with under a minute left, and Stephen Curry—because of course it was Curry—nailed a 31-foot three-pointer to seal a 115-112 victory. I remember watching that shot and thinking, "This is why we tune in every night." The Warriors’ ball movement in that final possession was a masterclass in unselfish play, with six passes in just 12 seconds. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. For me, this game underscored the importance of experience in high-pressure moments. The Celtics, talented as they are, seemed to rush their looks down the stretch, while Golden State’s veterans kept their cool. Statistically, the Warriors shot 48% from beyond the arc, which is just absurd, but it’s the intangibles—the trust, the timing—that made the difference.
Another unforgettable showdown was the Milwaukee Bucks’ overtime thriller against the Phoenix Suns. Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 44 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, but what stood out to me was how he took over when it mattered most. With 15 seconds left in regulation, he drove past two defenders for a vicious dunk that sent the game to OT. I’ve always believed Giannis is at his best when the game slows down, and this was proof. The Bucks’ defensive adjustments in overtime, holding the Suns to just 4 points, were a thing of beauty. It’s games like these that highlight the value of a superstar who can dominate both ends of the floor. On the flip side, the Suns’ reliance on mid-range jumpers—they attempted 28 of them—cost them dearly when the shots stopped falling in crunch time.
Then there was the nail-biter between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets. Ja Morant’s 47-point explosion was jaw-dropping, but what fascinated me was Denver’s response. Nikola Jokić nearly notched a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, and the game swung on a single possession: a missed free throw by Memphis that led to a fast-break layup by Jamal Murray. I’ve always had a soft spot for games decided by the little things—a box-out, a loose ball, a single defensive stop. In this case, the Grizzlies’ youth showed; they’re electric, but they need to tighten up in clutch situations. The final score, 128-126, doesn’t even begin to capture the rollercoaster of emotions.
The Lakers versus Nets matchup in March was another classic, albeit for different reasons. LeBron James and Kevin Durant went head-to-head, and while the Lakers pulled off a 120-118 win, it was the supporting casts that stole the show. Austin Reaves hit a corner three with 3.2 seconds left, and honestly, I didn’t see that coming. As much as I love superstar duels, basketball is a team sport, and this game proved it. The Nets’ ball movement—they tallied 32 assists—was crisp, but their defense collapsed when it mattered. From my perspective, the Lakers’ decision to go small in the fourth quarter was a gamble that paid off, and it’s a strategy I’d love to see more teams embrace.
Finally, the Chicago Bulls’ upset over the Miami Heat deserves a spot here. DeMar DeRozan’s 40-point performance was a reminder of his mid-range mastery, but what struck me was how the Bulls clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter. It reminded me of that pool doubles match I mentioned earlier—the one where Johann Chua and his partner fought back from a 1-2 deficit to win 5-2. In both cases, momentum is everything. The Heat’s defense, usually so disciplined, broke down under pressure, and the Bulls capitalized with a 15-2 run to close the game. I’ve always argued that comebacks are as much about psychology as execution, and this game was a perfect example.
Looking back, this season has been a testament to the NBA’s depth and unpredictability. The games I’ve highlighted aren’t just about the final scores; they’re about the stories within the story—the adjustments, the individual brilliance, and the moments that leave you breathless. As a fan, I’m thrilled by the parity we’re seeing. As an analyst, I’m taking notes on how teams adapt under pressure. Whether it’s the Warriors’ poise or the Grizzlies’ fearless energy, this season has offered a little something for everyone. And if there’s one takeaway I’ll carry into the playoffs, it’s this: in basketball, as in life, it’s not over until the final buzzer sounds.