What I’ve earned so far from the 2026 NBA Playoffs

Don’t waste youth with the young.

There’s a natural reaction in the playoffs to shorten your rotation — you want to play your best players the most when it matters most. Mazzulla started trimming his lineups towards the end of the regular season from 10ish to 8ish in anticipation of the postseason.

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But not until late into the Celtics’ collapse did the team realize that was a mistake or maybe better put, that wasn’t their identity.

Through eight straight wins to start their back-to-back bid, the Thunder went nearly 10-11 deep in their undefeated run before the Western Conference Finals. That may partly be because they’re beating the brakes off of the Suns and Lakers, but more likely, it’s because they’ve fostered a Stay Ready mentality from top to bottom.

Out of necessity, Mazzulla employed a similar strategy during the 82-game marathon of a regular season, but at least to start their series against the Sixers, shortened his rotation. However, by Game 7, he was starting the backend of the bench in Game 7 — a move many fans thought he should have made from the beginning.

With the off-season in mind, Stevens should embrace that mindset in building out the roster again. There will be an instinct to turn nickels, dimes, and quarters into dollars. However, if this CBA era has taught us anything, it’s that youth and depth is a premium not just for the regular season, but for the rigors of every 48-minute battle of the NBA Playoffs war. Whether they’re still on their rookie deals or have team options for next season, the Celtics have nine players that could be making under $3 million next season. Some might not return, some might be included in a trade, but Brad needs to beware of an empty cupboard come training camp next September.

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 21: Derrick White #9, Al Horford #42, Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7, Kristaps Porzingis #8, and Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics pose for a photograph with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy before the 2024 Boston Celtics championship parade on June 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User…


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Publish date : 2026-05-20 08:00:00

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