I think an x-factor in all this, which I haven't seen mentioned, is coaching.
Woodcroft and Mason are the best, blah , blah. Maybe BUT the coaching change bump is over now. No pulling that chute if things get tough.
PLUS, teams have had a chance now to study the book on him and his approach. No surprises now, or not knowing what he will do.
Throw in a bit of a longer playoff for the first time, with potential fatigue, and....
Who knows what happens.
|