NBA's answer to NFL RedZone expanding in 2023-24

The show, hosted by Jared Greenberg and produced by NBA TV, is described as “the league’s weekly whip-around show” and was made available to fans for free via the NBA app in its inaugural season last year. 

With so many games happening simultaneously on any given game night, having a show that can jump from game to game seems like a no-brainer. Instead of having to constantly monitor the scoreboard to find the close games, viewers can just sit back and have the most crucial moments of each game delivered straight to them. 

While "NBA CrunchTime" is a step in the right direction to make the NBA more accessible to casual fans, it still has some growing to do.

The biggest challenge facing the show is the fact that basketball and football operate at two very different paces. In the NFL, there are consistent breaks between plays, providing ample time to switch between games and show every meaningful moment. Scoring moments are often single plays and can be quickly relayed to the viewers should they miss them.

In the NBA, the pace is much faster, with scoring happens every minute, so providing adequate coverage in the same "whip-around" style is a difficult prospect. This is something the show struggled with last season, as viewers often found themselves staying on a single game for a long period of time due to a lack of highlight-worthy plays. Blowouts were another issue that dulled the action of the broadcast.

However, as the name suggests, "NBA CrunchTime" was really made with end-of-game moments in mind and is where the show really shines. When we reach "crunch time," double or even triple boxes fill the screen, allowing fans to watch multiple close games at once, something that isn't even available with NBA League Pass, the streaming service offered by the league.

Greenberg is still finding his voice as the host of the show and has a ways to go before he can reach Scott Hanson levels of reverence, but the enthusiasm is there. Although the show's catchphrase of "Let's get crunchy!" doesn't have the same ring as "Seven hours of commercial-free football start now," the effort exuded by Greenberg helps maintain the excitement.

Even if "NBA CrunchTime" still needs some time to find its footing, it is a fantastic idea, and its renewal and expansion signal that the NBA believes in the show and is committed to providing it to as many fans as possible.

"NBA CrunchTime" debuts on Monday, Oct. 30, and is available to watch for free via the NBA app.