Mind the Game What Have We Learned About the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
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May 27, 2025 The conversation dives into the surprising trends of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, highlighting the impact of role players like Alex Caruso and Aaron Nesmith. Intense 20+ point swings and underdog success are explored, with LeBron reflecting on the playoffs' physicality, including a memorable chest shove from Anthony Edwards. The discussion revisits classic playoff moments, showcasing the strategic importance of momentum, team chemistry, and evolving defensive strategies that shape game outcomes in high-stakes scenarios.
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Physicality Contrast Playoffs vs Regular Season
- Playoff basketball is significantly more physical than regular season play.
- The sudden ramp-up in allowed physicality after a season of stricter calls creates a challenging adjustment period for players.
Underdogs Close Gap with Physicality
- Underdog teams like Indiana exploit playoff physicality and defense to close gaps.
- Seeding matters less as physical intensity and game plans can smash expected advantages.
Pick-And-Roll Strategy in Playoffs
- Playoff offenses focus heavily on pick-and-roll and matchup exploitation.
- Late shot clock ISO attempts often result from intense defensive physicality limiting fluid plays.