As the playoffs go, the NBA playoffs are getting closer and closer to us. It also shows that the game is getting more and more intense, and a small mistake can often ruin a team's hard work throughout the season. In the playoffs, each team shortens the rotation time of players, and only players who have performed consistently throughout the season will be able to get a place in the rotation lineup.
Still, the stress of the playoffs isn't something every player can handle. Even the best players can succumb to this pressure and not be able to play at normal levels. As the playoffs approached, ESPN reporter A-Smith listed the five players most stressed in the playoffs: Harden, Irving, Paul, Butler and Klay Thompson.
Speaking of players on the list, Harden will definitely feel the pressure. Because since he left the Houston Rockets, his competitive form has been declining. What's more, he also went through a team trade, from the Nets to the 76ers. If he doesn't play well in the playoffs, he's sure to be strongly questioned by NBA fans.
Next up was his former teammate Irving. Since never been vaccinated, Irving has been making headlines in the NBA. So much so that he was sidelined for most of the season, joined as a part-time player and can now finally play full-time. Because of this, fans will be keeping a close eye on his performance in the playoffs.
Paul didn't do anything controversial to get the media's attention. The only reason he was on this list is that he is close to retiring and has yet to win an NBA championship. After finishing runners-up last season, he will be under tremendous pressure in the upcoming playoffs.
Butler, for his part, has caught everyone's attention in recent weeks. Following intense incidents with managers Spoo and Haslem, there are reports that Butler could leave the team if the Heat don't fare well in the playoffs. But what if Jimmy himself doesn't play well? This will be a huge pressure on his shoulders.
In the end, Thompson's appearance on the roster was controversial as the Warriors superstar missed the past two seasons with injury. While fans have high expectations of him, there certainly won't be too many people to question his play.