Jamal Crawford Reveals His Secret Catchphrase and Broadcasting Journey

Jamal Crawford, now a color commentator for NBC Sports, has a surprise he has yet to share with his broadcast partners Mike Tirico and Reggie Miller. Crawford, who enjoyed a 20-year NBA career, has been commentating on thrilling playoff games, including a second-round match between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

During a recent discussion with NBC News, Crawford shared something special. He has been subtly including a secret catchphrase that has not been noticed yet. You know what? I have one, and during these playoffs, you will hear it, Crawford said, hinting it involves something about a court. He noted, You’re the first person I’m telling I have one. Not even Mike and Reggie know this. When you hear it, you’ll know.

Crawford’s energy and enthusiasm on air contrast his calm demeanor. After his significant NBA career across nine teams, he transitioned to media in 2021 by calling games for NBA League Pass. He joined TNT as a studio analyst in 2022 and later started calling games for MSG Network in 2024, focusing on the New York Knicks’ broadcasts.

This season, the NBA returned to NBC, with Crawford becoming one of the lead analysts. His collaboration with Tirico and Miller sparked immediate chemistry. Reggie is a legend. I still learn and borrow from him. Mike is the ultimate point guard, Crawford remarked, expressing his admiration for his teammates.

Broadcasting is one of several ways Crawford stays close to basketball. Besides his role with NBC Sports, he narrates Chasing History, a behind-the-scenes NBA documentary. He stays mobile with his microphone to record voice-overs throughout the playoffs.

Crawford values the proximity to the game deeply. To be this close to the game is incredible, he said. He compares his passion for broadcasting to the legends he admired growing up like Marv Albert, Bob Costas, and Ahmad Rashad. Crawford is also active in the offseason, coaching AAU and assisting college and pro players. This, for me, is like what I heard in my childhood, he stated.

Being an enthusiastic fan of basketball sometimes requires Crawford to moderate his fervor on broadcasts. I’m coming straight from like, ‘Yo, I’m a fan. We are at the bar, I’m having my Sprite lemonade,’ he said, indicating his genuine love for the game.

As the second round of playoffs nears its conclusion, Crawford is looking forward to the Western Conference finals on NBC. When asked about the NBA Finals, he expressed his interest in seeing Madison Square Garden’s atmosphere if the Knicks made it. Crawford, who played for the Knicks from 2004 to 2009, shared how spirited the fan base remains even when the team struggled.

Seeing the Knicks reach the Finals would be crazy. I know that fan base. They made it feel like the playoffs when we were terrible when I played there every single night. So I couldn’t imagine what Finals is like in New York.