Cam Johnson: Playoff Experience is Unknown

Cam Johnson Shares Playoff Wisdom: ‘The Ahead is Unknown’

The NBA playoffs are here, and for players like Cam Johnson, the journey is all about embracing the unpredictable. In a recent episode of ‘The Old Man and The Three,’ Johnson, along with co-host Tommy Alter, shared insights into the intensity of the postseason, the excitement of the play-in tournament, and the lessons learned from past playoff battles. Johnson emphasized that playoff experience doesn’t guarantee outcomes; instead, it teaches players to respect every single moment on the court because what happened yesterday has no bearing on today.

The podcast, recorded before the playoffs officially tipped off on Saturday, will take breaks during series to respect the ‘sanctity of a series.’ Johnson explained that during intense playoff runs, players and hosts alike need to disconnect, avoiding phones and focusing solely on the game. This approach allows for genuine immersion and a clear mind when discussing the action between rounds.

Play-In Tournament Delivers Drama

The play-in tournament, a newer addition to the NBA schedule, has quickly become a fan favorite. Johnson praised the tournament for delivering exactly what the league intended: close, emotional, and heated games. He highlighted several thrilling matchups, including Stephen Curry’s spectacular performance against the Sacramento Kings.

Curry’s performance was described as ‘unreal,’ with Johnson calling him ‘one of one’ for his unique shooting ability and showmanship. The interaction with fans after a deep shot, where Curry fell into the first row, was noted as a prime example of his entertainer’s spirit. Golden State’s team also fed off his energy, with Klay Thompson hitting four straight threes in response.

Johnson also touched on Curry’s challenging season with injuries, making his playoff moments even more special. Despite the uncertainty of his team’s next game, Curry had already delivered a memorable postseason performance, a moment cherished by fans and players alike.

Charlotte’s Buzzer-Beater and LaMelo’s Fine

The conversation shifted to another exciting play-in moment: Kobe Bryant’s game-winning shot for the Charlotte Hornets. Johnson admitted he often wonders why defensive teams don’t focus more on preventing the sideline out-of-bounds corner pass, a common source of last-second heroics. He praised Bryant’s performance in the second half and the energy Charlotte brought to the game.

A unique detail from the Hornets’ game was the arena playing ‘Rocky’ music during the inbound pass for the game-winner, adding a cinematic feel to the dramatic shot. This detail, noticed by fans online, made the moment feel even more like a movie scene, especially since Bryant made the shot.

The Miami Heat’s play-in game also provided drama, with a wild finish in overtime. While the game was hectic, Johnson noted it didn’t feel like a single-elimination game due to both teams trading intense plays.

However, an incident involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo led to a $35,000 fine for Ball. Johnson expressed a dislike for suspensions in single-elimination games, even if the play wasn’t ideal.

The debate continued on whether the fine was sufficient, especially since Adebayo was effectively taken out of the game. Johnson understood Adebayo’s frustration, particularly in a close loss where his presence in the second half could have been crucial. He believes such matters are often best left for players and teams to resolve individually rather than through league suspensions.

East vs. West and Playoff Adjustments

Looking ahead, Johnson has his eye on the New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks series in the Eastern Conference. He wonders if the Hawks’ recent hot streak can carry into the playoffs or if the heightened intensity of postseason basketball will change their dynamic.

When discussing the transition to playoff basketball, Johnson shared his own experiences. He noted that while there’s an initial feeling-out process, players often adjust quickly. The biggest lesson he’s learned is that playoff experience doesn’t dictate future success; instead, it reinforces that the future is always uncertain and every possession matters.

Managing energy and excitement is key. Players need to channel the hype of the game positively without becoming frantic.

Johnson also referenced a story about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s calm demeanor after a tough playoff game, highlighting the importance of not getting too high or too low. One bad game doesn’t win or lose a series; respecting the talent of the opponent is paramount.

For Johnson’s own team, the Denver Nuggets, the focus is on their upcoming playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He described it as a ‘chess match,’ eagerly anticipating the strategic adjustments and counter-moves between the two talented teams. The history between the Nuggets and Timberwolves, including past playoff encounters and lingering trash talk, adds an extra layer of intensity to this division rivalry.

Johnson also acknowledged the impressive performance of his less-heralded teammates in a recent game against the Spurs, where several players stepped up despite key players being out. He credited their hard work and preparation for being ready when called upon, highlighting Julian Strawther’s 25 points and David Roddy’s double-double as examples of unexpected contributions.

The ‘Juice’ of the Playoffs

Ultimately, Johnson concluded that the playoffs are simply more fun. The ‘juice is there,’ and it’s what players sign up for. Watching from the outside is a painful experience, leaving players feeling like ‘bums.’ The opportunity to compete at the highest level is what it’s all about.

The atmosphere at Ball Arena is expected to be electric, especially with the history between Denver and Minnesota. Johnson is excited for the competition and the chance to defend their title. He humorously worried about being a ‘jinx’ and considered not revealing his attendance at games to avoid bad luck.

As the podcast wrapped up, Johnson thanked the listeners for joining them on the journey that led to this point. The real deal, the NBA Playoffs, has arrived, and he expressed his commitment to loving, respecting, and playing the game with everything he has.

The Nuggets begin their playoff series against the Timberwolves on Saturday, with Game 1 set to tip off at Ball Arena.

Source: Cam Johnson’s 2026 NBA Playoff Primer | The Play-in Tournament, Wolves Series, and More (YouTube)