I'm not so sure it is the minutes, but more the role and coming off the bench. It is just easier to come off the bench. Not nearly as much strain on the body.
Not sure the difference between 26 min as a starter vs. 26 min off the bench. When he plays now off the bench, the ball is in his hands a lot. He might get fewer touches if he was with the starters more.
Whatever it is, I am glad he is healthy and playing well going into the playoffs. He should make a big difference for us. He should be able to give us important minutes in the playoffs that we just didn't have last season. Smart, Brown, and Tatum should all benefit.
Hopefully, our bigs will hold up and at least match what we got from them last playoff run.