Hall of Fame guard Tim Hardaway Sr. has shared his thoughts on the NBA playoffs. Hardaway Sr. spoke about the pressures of the postseason, legendary ball handlers, and more.
Hardaway Sr.’s Impressive Playoff Run
Tim Hardaway Sr. surged onto the playoff scene during his second NBA season. As part of the “Run TMC” Warriors, they shocked the Spurs in the first round of the 1991 NBA playoffs. The Warriors also gave the Lakers a scare in the West semifinals.
Hardaway Sr. averaged 25.2 points over nine playoff games. He finished the playoffs ranked 5th in scoring and set the NBA record for most steals in a playoff game with eight against Los Angeles. He retired in 2003 with career averages of 16.8 points, 6.8 assists and 1.6 steals over 56 career playoff games.
A Father’s Perspective on the NBA
As a father, Hardaway Sr. has watched his son’s NBA journey over the last 13 seasons. This journey included 48 playoff games and a Finals run with Dallas in 2024. His son now faces another potentially long run with the Denver Nuggets this postseason.
Obstacles for Young Players in the Playoffs
Hardaway Sr. discussed the biggest obstacles for a young player or team to overcome in the playoffs. He highlighted mental fatigue as a significant factor because they haven’t been that far.
He noted that players are still getting used to playing 82 games. Then players might hit 90 games with the playoffs.
Hardaway Sr. also talked about the importance of team chemistry. He stated that if you want to win and get to a championship level, you can feel it in the locker room at the end of the season and at the beginning of the season.
He said when everybody comes in and you all work out together, you can feel the confidence. It’s nothing anybody’s saying, you can just feel the confidence of each individual. How they walk, how they act, how they work on their game. Then when you come into training camp, the coach sets the tone on what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it, and everybody’s on that same page, there’s no complaining.
He cautioned to watch out for those guys who talk and don’t believe. He said it’s the combination of the fatigue and…
When asked about cheering for the Wolverines, Hardaway Sr. said he always sticks with the UTEP Miners.