On a side note, how is it that these guys are "gassed". I realize I'm going to sound like an old fart, but jeez, these guys have access to all sorts of training, health plans, first-class travel and accommodations etc...Not to mention "load management". I don't remember guys being gassed being an excuse or an issue "back in the day".
Yeah. Larry Bird averaged 38.4 minutes per game for his career, and 42.0 minutes per game in the playoffs. In 1988, he averaged 44.9 minutes in the playoffs!!
I love JT, but he's averaging 37.4 minutes this year (2nd in the NBA), and he's playing like he just ran a marathon before every game.
And, the 1986 team played at a significantly faster pace.
Maybe it's a matter of guys today carrying around more muscle mass, especially perimeter players? The heavier you are, the faster you're going to get worn out, I presume. (Larry is listed at 220 opposed to JT's 210, but Tatum is more jacked.) That said, guys like Karl Malone played around 40mpg, and almost never missed games.