Thinking Basketball #114: What changes in the playoffs? | Gibson Pyper (Half Court Hoops)
Apr 28, 2022
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Playoff Pressure
- Players must know every opponent's tendencies in the playoffs, increasing cognitive load and stress. The Rockets' infamous 27 missed threes illustrate this playoff pressure.
- This pressure, magnified by opponent schemes like Houston faced against Golden State, can lead to severe dry spells.
Comfort in Contested Shots
- James Harden prefers contested threes over open ones, illustrating how players become more comfortable with difficult shots.
- Some players, like Gary Payton II, remain comfortable taking open shots even with playoff pressure.
Increased Physicality on Stars
- Physicality increases in the playoffs, with opponents targeting star players like Kevin Durant with constant physical contact.
- This constant pressure disrupts offensive flow and makes it harder for stars to execute their usual moves.