atltillidie

This is an overall sports question, not just a football one. Whether it's individual players or collective teams, people like to discredit those that don't have playoff experience under their belts. By the same token, the addition of vets and players with the so-called "playoff experience" are talked up too disproportionately much.

I strongly disagree with the notion that gaining more playoff experience makes you a better performer in the postseason.

Let's look at Damian Lillard last year for example; he was absolutely phenomenal and elevated his play during his first series. In fact, we witnessed him win a crucial game 6 to push the Blazers into the second round. Lillard's stats reflect this as well, as his efficiency and scoring averages actually rose in his first postseason.

Having said all that, I think it's more about the player's mental fortitude than the x number of years a player has been in the playoffs. A guy that can't play at the big stage will underperform in the playoffs regardless of the*amount of playoff experience he's gained over the years. I think that a guy that isn't scared of the moment, will be able to excel in the postseason, even though he's never been in the playoffs.

Any thoughts?