NBA Playoffs Predictions: Mentally Strong Teams That Will Prevail
Success in the postseason involves a lot more than X's and O's. There are plenty of talented clubs that lose focus and discipline at all the wrong times.
Just ask the New York Knicks.
Mental fortitude is a virtue in any competitive endeavor. The teams that have it give up less easily and weather the ever-shifting flow of games that might otherwise get out of hand. They take nothing for granted when favored to win and ignore those same odds when they go the other way.
It goes without saying that most teams are mentally strong to at least some degree—life in the NBA demands it. Some are stronger than others, though.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are as even-keeled and professional an outfit as you'll find in any team sport. Historically, they've gotten by on Tim Duncan's stoic composure and Manu Ginobili's fiery determination. You can now add Tony Parker to the mix. He's taken ownership of this squad with more than improved production.
San Antonio also boasts a supporting cast full of guys who accept their roles while remaining ready to go above and beyond the call of duty when needed. Like the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio can thank its coach for such a winning disposition. Coach of the Year Gregg Popovich instills the right attitude in his players, and it shows.
Oklahoma City Thunder or Dallas Mavericks
Whichever team makes it out of this series alive will do so with quite the badge of honor. If the first two games in Oklahoma City are any indication of what these teams still have in store for us, get ready!
The Thunder have a perfect psychological balance leading the team: A tenacious point guard with plenty of flair and a steady superstar who never gets too high or low.
Still, the Mavericks are the veterans here and it would be a mistake to write them off—at least until they lose a game at home. Beyond their added experience, Dallas can also thank their first-rate coach Rick Carlisle for his no-nonsense attitude.
Chicago Bulls
At this point, success has come to mean something different for the Bulls. Without Rose, the team is no longer the title hopeful it's been throughout the regular season.
Nevertheless, these Bulls are still capable of beating just about anyone in the East other than the Miami Heat. From top to bottom, this roster is built with guys who won't shy away from a challenge. If any group could keep its head in the game after losing its superstar, this is it.
Los Angeles Lakers
There have never been any doubts about Kobe Bryant's mental toughness, but you could legitimately question where Andrew Bynum's head is sometimes.
Fortunately, Los Angeles won't depend on Bynum for leadership. Besides the fact that Kobe remains the undisputed leader on and off the court, the Lakers can also turn to their veteran power forward Pau Gasol.
If you had any doubts about Gasol's fortitude, just remember that Lamar Odom wasn't the only one who found out the Lakers were trying to trade him this winter. While Odom demanded a trade and ultimately flamed out with Dallas, Gasol continued going to work every day and playing like an All-Star.
Honorable Mention: Miami Heat
It's still hard to know just how tough this team is, and it will remain that way until it actually wins a title. If you're a Heat fan, you probably believe this team has proven the doubters wrong. After all, Miami has had two exceptional seasons in spite of the vitriolic hatred directed its way from virtually every corner of the league.
If you're not a Heat fan, you might be a bit skeptical. This team went just 18-15 on the road, struggling down the stretch of the season. Could the unfriendly crowds be taking their toll on that superstar psyche?
