Basketball is a Game of the Mind

I seldom discuss basketball here, but a recent NBA playoff game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets shed light on my hesitation. My interest was initially financial—I’d wagered on the Nuggets. Yet, as the game unfolded, my focus shifted from potential winnings to the players themselves.

Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards were under my scrutiny. Jokić, the reigning MVP, and Edwards, recently likened to Michael Jordan, had set high expectations. Their performances, however, were a study in contrasts.

Midway through the second quarter, the Nuggets’ lead seemed a good omen for my bet. But the play I witnessed from Jokić was unexpectedly lackluster. Despite impressive stats, his long-range shots had the awkwardness of a novice. Time was on his side, yet the urgency of a well-executed play was missing.

Jokić’s physicality was undeniable, his presence on the court undeniable. Yet, his performance lacked the spark of a highlight reel. It was solid, reliable, but not thrilling.

Edwards presented a polished counterpoint. Over 40 points against the Nuggets spoke of his skill, yet his gameplay, while smart, lacked the spectacle one might expect from a player compared to Jordan. Compiling even a minute of highlights from his performance would be challenging.


Basketball is far from dull. The mental strategy now outweighs the physicality of the game. Critics may call the modern NBA ‘soft,’ but I see a game that’s evolved into a cerebral battle. It’s a different kind of excitement—one that’s smarter and more nuanced than ever before.