Do you display the same mental toughness as the Warriors?
As the NBA Playoffs progress into the Conference finals, I am marveling at the tremendous mental toughness the Warriors are displaying. Despite losing their top scorer and arguably best player, Kevin Durant, they haven’t missed a beat. Why is this happening? In the #CJJblog this week I wanted to take a deeper look at how the Splash Brothers & Co. have stayed mentally tough and remained on their path this postseason. Enjoy.
- Nucleus. Golden State has lost some players over the years, but the core nucleus (Curry, Thompson, Green, Iguodala, and Livingston) has remained intact. They have been through a lot together and are ready for any type of adversity.
- Brand of basketball. The style of basketball dub nation plays does not rely on one-on-one abilities. They move the ball extremely well and allow their playmakers to make plays. They lead the league in assists and dazzle us with their ball movement. What do you think of the Warriors brand of basketball?
- Role Players. They have their stars, but the role players are what really let them not miss anything with KD hurt. They have a “next man up” mentality and are ready for any challenges they face, especially in the playoffs.
- Dirty work. Having a mentally tough mindset is one thing, but you must actually step up and perform well to succeed. Over the last three and a half games without Durant, Golden State has done thing little things necessary to win. Getting on the floor for loose balls, taking charges, gritty defense, and setting good screens are all examples of things only mentally tough teams are willing to do. Is your team willing to do the dirty work?
- Stars rose up. The best example of this was in game six of the Houston Rockets series when Stephen Curry stepped up and scored 33 points in the second half of that game, en route to a series-clinching victory. He also is shooting 95% from the FT line this postseason.
- Teamwork makes the dreamwork. It sounds cliché, but for the Dubs’ current situation, it’s true. They always make the extra pass and without Durant, they are forced to play ultimate team ball.
- Leadership. The Warriors are mentally tough largely due to their three leaders; Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr. They get the team to play as one unit and lead by example. Do you lead through your actions?
Did You Know? Coach Jim Johnson was recently on Jeffrey Gitomer’s Sell or Die podcast and it will be released here shortly.
Life Tip #83: Be a team builder. Develop a process and stick to it.
Deckard & Company