There are stresses within the high-stakes gamesnaturally, but there's also another layer that isperhaps unique to this season. It's the pressure ofthe aftermath and it will mount by the day, by theloss and, oddly in this unusual season, even by thewin in some cases.
With so many contenders loaded with fragile, big-name free agents and other concerns that are tied to the uncertainty of their finishes, there ismore at than just winning. There's also the future and, in these times, that's always on themind.
The Toronto Raptors have lived all season with the Kawhi Leonard cloud on the horizon. Leonardhasn't articulated, well, almost anything. Certainly not what will be most important to him whenhe has the option to become a free agent this summer.
But it's a safe bet that an early exit would not bode well for the Raptors' chances at re-signinghim, especially after they changed coaches and retooled the roster to try to bury past playoffdisappointments.
Boston has all the ingredients of a team that could make the Finals, especially when bigs AlHorford and Aron Baynes are healthy and Jayson Tatum finds a balance between grace andaggression.
But if it goes south, it's possible the Celtics could not only lose Irving in July but also be morejudicious in an expected trade offer for Anthony Davis in the summer. There's a wide swing ofpossibilities here that bears watching as the Celtics make their way through the playoffs.
Keeping this 60-win team together may hinge on these playoffs. Bringing the core back wouldlikely send the Bucks into the luxury tax next season and beyond. The Bucks haven't paid theluxury tax since 2003, the season they traded Ray Allen for Gary Payton.
Is this team close enough to title contention to break that taxless streak or will the Bucksretrofit with cheaper options if there's an earlier-than-expected exit? And how might thatcrossroads affect Antetokounmpo, who can extend his contract if he wants in 2020? Theseare topics that are absolutely being discussed within the organization as Milwaukee starts itsmost promising postseason in decades.
Kevin Durant has exuded unhappiness throughout the season for reasons only he canunderstand, giving rise to the belief that he's playing his last days with the team. If two titlesdidn't make him happy, will a third only verify his tug toward a new challenge?
If you can figure out Durant, send your resume to both the Warriors and Knicks as they areprobably interested in hiring you. Either way, their playoff run is carrying some extra baggage.