Kevin Huerter, Chicago Bulls
March 2025
After struggling initially with his new team, Huerter has found his rhythm, averaging 14.6 points over his last seven games.
Acquired from Sacramento at the trade deadline, Huerter has improved his efficiency and defensive contributions, posting a +13.6 plus-minus rating during this stretch.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, San Antonio Spurs
March 2025
Mamukelashvili erupted for a career-high 34 points in just 19 minutes, making NBA history for the most points scored in a game with under 20 minutes played since 1951-52.
Coming off the bench, he shot an incredible 13-of-14 from the field, including a perfect 7-for-7 from three-point range. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 120-105, and Mamukelashvili’s performance was hyped by friend and rapper Flavor Flav, who celebrated his birthday courtside.
Houston Rockets
March 2025
After a rough February and a 5-10 slump, the Rockets have bounced back with four straight wins, putting them just one game behind the No. 2 seed in the West.
Houston’s defense has returned to elite form, posting a league-best 104.7 defensive rating since March 5, while their scoring has surged back to 115.8 PPG. The return of Fred VanVleet further boosts their postseason push.
Houston Rockets
March 2025
Houston has a favorable schedule ahead, with five of their next six games against sub-.500 teams before a key showdown with the Nuggets on March 23.
Wins against Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Miami could set up a No. 2 seed battle with Denver, where a win would clinch the season tiebreaker.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
March 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted OKC’s improvement from last season, emphasizing that clinching earlier than in 2024 reflects their growth.
The Thunder, the second team to secure a playoff spot this season, have steadily improved, showing resilience against top teams like the Celtics and Nuggets.
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
March 2025
Giddey, who has been having a career-best season, is expected to miss the upcoming game after suffering an ankle injury.
The Bulls will rely more on Coby White, Kevin Huerter, and Nikola Vučević in Giddey’s absence, as he has been a key playmaker averaging 20.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over his last 15 games.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
March 2025
Kerr secured his 558th career win, surpassing Hall of Famer Al Attles as the winningest coach in Warriors history in a 97-94 victory over the Knicks.
Wilhelmina Attles, wife of the late Al Attles, presented Kerr with the game ball in a special ceremony. Kerr credited the Warriors’ organizational strength and star players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson for his success.
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Damian Lillard, NBA Players
March 2025
Curry’s historic milestone drew admiration from Doug Christie, Chauncey Billups, and Steve Kerr, who joked that Curry might aim for 8,000 threes.
James Harden (3,127 threes) and Damian Lillard (2,794 threes) are the closest to joining Curry in the 4,000 club, but Curry’s influence on the game remains unparalleled.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
March 2025
Coulibaly is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
The 20-year-old guard suffered the injury against the Raptors, and with Washington’s season finale in 4.5 weeks, he may not return this season. He has averaged 12.3 points and 3.4 assists in his second year.
Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
March 2025
Thomas is set to become a free agent this offseason, adding uncertainty to his future with the Nets after an injury-plagued season.
Despite being limited to 25 appearances, he led Brooklyn with six 30-point games, including a season-high 43 points against the Knicks. His injury status may impact his market value in free agency.
