NBA Playoffs: Who’s Built for the Grind?

The regular season is fun, but the playoffs? That’s where reputations are made — or exposed.

Let’s start in the West. The Denver Nuggets still look like the most complete team, and Nikola Jokić is reminding everyone why he’s the most unguardable player in basketball. But the grind is real. If Jamal Murray’s health falters, Denver could suddenly look very human.

Meanwhile, Minnesota is the biggest wildcard. They’ve got the best defense in the league, but can Anthony Edwards carry the offensive load in a tight series? The talent’s there, but playoff basketball is different — slower, more physical, more mental.

Over in the East, the Boston Celtics have no excuses this year. Best record, deep roster, healthy core — it’s title or bust. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to finally prove they can close games in June, not just dominate in February.

Don’t sleep on the New York Knicks, either. If Jalen Brunson keeps playing like a top-10 guy, and OG Anunoby stays healthy, they might grind their way into the Conference Finals.

Bottom line: talent wins in the regular season. But toughness, cohesion, and superstars win in May and June.