The NBA regular season is coming to a close and fans are ready for the postseason to begin. This past week in the NBA was filled with exciting games that featured some great performances from some players that you wouldn’t necessarily have seen coming.
Josh Giddey vs. Los Angeles on March 27
The Chicago Bulls trading for Josh Giddey raised a few eyebrows. Considering they gave up all-world defender Alex Caruso, it was a trade that most people thought the Oklahoma City Thunder easily won. However, in his first season with the Bulls, Giddey is showing why he was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2021.
Giddey is averaging just above 14 points per game to go along with roughly eight boards and seven assists. In Chicago’s second game against the Los Angeles Lakers this season, the Bulls came up with an improbable comeback victory, scoring nine points in the final 12 seconds of the game to secure the win. The final three points came from Giddey in what was perhaps the play of the season, nailing a halfcourt heave at the buzzer to cap off a 119-117 victory. Giddey finished the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
Alec Burks vs. Philadelphia on March 29
After a brutal 10-game losing streak, the Miami Heat have started to percolate again. They are 6-4 in the last 10 games and are looking like they could make some noise in the Play-In Tournament once again. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami was firing on all cylinders in a 118-95 victory.
All-Star guard Tyler Herro led the way with 30 points, but it was Alec Burks’ shooting that stood out from this game. Burks made six out of 12 threes, and that was truly significant, because when the Heat made unexpected finals runs in 2020 and 2023, it was their 3-point shooting that put them over the top in the postseason. If Miami can sustain this production from beyond the arc, they will be a tough out in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Brandin Podziemski vs. San Antonio on March 30
The Golden State Warriors have been a different team since trading for Jimmy Butler at the deadline. They now look like a real playoff threat and have been one of the best teams in the league over the home stretch of the season.
Against the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State scored 148 points and the man they call “B Podz” had one of his best games of the season. Podziemski scored 27 points to go with six rebounds and five assists. Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have acknowledged that this year might be the team’s last shot to get one more championship and if Golden State is going to make a deep playoff run, look for Podziemski to be the key role player that steps up in big moments.
Ryan Rollins vs. Phoenix on April 1
Superstar point guard Damian Lillard was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf and since then, it has been up to Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry an even bigger load for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Milwaukee may have found a bright spot in Ryan Rollins.
Now filling Lillard’s starting spot until he returns, Rollins had one of his best games as a Buck against the Phoenix Suns with 23 points and shot 80% from the field. The goal for Milwaukee is to get Lillard back for the first round of the playoffs, but Rollins is showing that he can give the Bucks valuable minutes at point guard if needed.
Stephon Castle vs. Denver April 2
The San Antonio Spurs won’t be competing in the postseason this year, but they have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. Stephon Castle, who will likely win Rookie of the Year, had a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double against the Denver Nuggets in an upset victory. When the Spurs traded for De’Aaron Fox at the deadline, Sacramento wanted Castle in return, but the Spurs were not willing to trade him and he’s made it clear how valuable he is to San Antonio.
Castle is having a great rookie season, averaging just above 14 points per game. If he becomes more efficient with his jumper next year, the Spurs could take a giant step forward given all of the bright spots they have on their team.