There has long been a belief in the NBA that the game shifts in intensity and stakes once the postseason arrives. However, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla challenges this notion, asserting that the game remains fundamentally the same whether it's the regular season or playoffs. Mazzulla emphasizes the importance of mental, physical, and emotional preparation, highlighting the need for execution regardless of the stage of the competition.
Some players echo Mazzulla's perspective, such as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who maintains a pragmatic outlook on the playoffs. Jokic acknowledges the win-or-lose nature of each game and the opportunities that lie ahead, emphasizing the simplicity of the approach.
