Playoff Mode - Just How Different Are the NBA Playoffs? An analysis…

[@TheMissiIe]

The lego stop motion is the perfect gimmick that makes these videos unique. Phenomenal marketing decision

[@JasonAtlas]

Omg I love your profile picture and name.

[@njones339skinnymini]

@@JasonAtlas Mazespin still remains supreme

[@JasonAtlas]

@@njones339skinnymini you mean lord goatifi?

[@calvindomin441]

I actually hate it lol.

[@uptodatenba]

he didnt use stop motion?

[@davidroos935]

As a math student I get infuriated when people ignore sampling bias when analyzing sports. Playoffs are different first and foremost because it’s the better teams playing. Thanks for addressing this issue when the analytics, you examine statistics in a mindful way. It’s appreciated :)

[@sp123]

Also it's a series so adjustments are made faster and forces players to adapt. The same strategy won't work for 7 games in a row

[@cashflodigitalsportsnetwork]

@@sp1234 to 7 games in a row against the same team…

[@buoy1]

Most underrated channel on youtube

[@jared_deraj]

legitimately

[@genocidehero9687]

Nah whatslaps is

[@agilana4684]

​@@genocidehero9687 Yeah also LobWorld

[@mikaeki5245]

Hear hear

[@12thMandalorian]

the editing on Michael's videos are insane!

[@amazingkook143]

When I watch these videos, sometimes it feels like I learn everything and also nothing at all. The soothing voice along with the stats just gives an experience of calmness. Only after the video thinking back on it that I grow to understand what it was trying to say and fully appreciate what was said. Great videos, please do more.

[@shawnmf2004]

His cadence and tone just suck you in.

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you my friend!

[@TheGbelcher]

Agreed

[@architect011_3]

Don't discount that a 7-game series is ultimately designed to allow the team with better talent to prevail vs the team with lesser talent. In a 1-game series, like football or regular season NBA any team can get lucky that one time, but given more games to have to play, the better team will typically always win over the long haul

[@kenw2225]

Just lose 1 talent in the nba with injury and... bucks struggling rn

[@blueredlover1060]

That's actually part of the reason for the criticism around the NASCAR playoffs. You can get lucky with the weather or strategy call once or twice a season, but it's impossible to replicate consistently. That's before we get to everyone is always competing together.

[@dathunderman4]

Yeah they did a study comparing the predictability of basketball vs other major sports and NBA basketball came out on top. Of course other sports leagues have 7 game series as well, but in basketball the amount of control the top players have to influence the game (like the fact that you can just give the ball to Lebron and have him to his thing, no wait for an at-bat) makes it the most predictable in comparison to NHL, NFL, and MLB. That’s not to say it is predictable tho, just that it’s a supposedly more predictable than those other leagues

[@casualfan-m5x]

​@@kenw2225 i hope Giannis comes back

[@maartenvz]

This is exactly why the finals in these sports usually show ugly games as both teams are afraid to lose by taking too much risk.

[@SpiceisSalty]

Jamal Murray is the Lakers playoff paralysis demon

[@tridra5714]

Murray has terrorized both LA teams. Don't forget how he outplayed kawhi and pg13 in 2020

[@cory8080]

Played amazing during winning time and that dictates the narrative.

[@JoseyFazzole]

@@tridra5714I think he played really great against the clippers in 2020 on accident, he only realized in the conference finals that he had turned it up against the wrong LA team

[@antoniohart3724]

The last shot of G2 & G5 are all the data you need

[@TheHuskyK9]

Wolves are currently exorcising him

[@pugsnhogz]

I think the tendency toward iso ball in the late stages of playoff games is a lot like the tendency to only play premiums when the blinds get big in a poker tournament, even though that means you will get blinded out a lot of the time: when the result is in sight, people value a controlled outcome over a maximized outcome. They'd rather know that the player they want taking the last shot will have the ball in his hands, than run offense resulting in a better quality shot on average with less control over who takes it.

[@andylozano5193]

It may also be a way to limit turnovers but you’re more likely to miss an ISO.

[@jeremykates7276]

I’ve noticed this a ton in the playoffs especially. The best offenses tend to move the ball very well and playing iso is actually them losing their offensive identity

[@fyukfy2366]

How does this channel have fewer than 100K, super high quality keep it up man

[@XKloosyvv]

Pretty sure this dude owns an investment firm or something so he can produce high quality content with his own time and money. Awesome stuff so far

[@kode-man23]

Also, it’s coming. It had 40-ish just a couple months ago.

[@Bakerman2801]

Yeah this channel is gonna blow up soon

[@christryst]

I'm surprised I just found it.

[@WhiteGuyMike]

It's because he only has 15 videos total. Once he has 100+ videos it'll be over 1m subs.

[@ryanjohnson2994]

As a Blazer fan, thanks for re-opening those old wounds right off the bat lmao

[@alexanderjonckheere7934]

I'll never understand why as a foreigner I chose to root for the Blazers... love the team, hate the staying up until 3am to see us get demolished

[@je5406]

As a lifelong Nugget fan, I was rooting for those Blazers. I was heated when Kobe threw the lob to Shaq. Murray hitting the dagger in game 2 this year was a glorious experience. Took LAs soul and the series with that shot

[@ryanjohnson2994]

@@je5406 I’ve been rooting for you guys the last couple years as well (it’s not like we’re battling in the playoffs again anytime soon lmao). I’ve taken some solace from you guys knocking out the Lakers 2 years in a row. Us small market fans have to stick together at the end of the day

[@steviechampagne]

@@alexanderjonckheere7934Join the Mavs! Luka is the next MJ and Kyrie is a god

[@derringera]

​@@je5406I'm a life long Blazers fan relocated to CO and loving this time with the Nuggets. Love seeing the small market teams take it to the Lakers.

[@Dahn.Baern.]

Enjoy the last bit of time you have before your channel blows up and your life changes.. Amazing video quality man, keep at it. Some of the best independent type videos I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thanks man! Enjoying the ride.

[@Dahn.Baern.]

@@michaelmackelvie yes sir. Your video style is very motivating and inspiring for me. I make mini tornado documentaries. I’m not even a huge basketball fan anymore, but I think your videos could fascinate people who hate basketball.

[@tomathin2102]

I thought this account would have millions of subscribers, hats off to this level of production and analysis.

[@nathanwashington9784]

This is a BRILLIANT video dude. So glad you’re getting recommended to new people (me), definitely sticking around for more! I also echo what other people are saying, I’m so sick of super dramatised NBA videos with trap beats blaring at me in the background, this is a breath of fresh air and gives me Secret Base vibes more than anything which is an incredibly positive thing from me.

[@loyuko]

didn't expect to see the eiffel tower get nuked in one of your videos but great statistical breakdown of playoff basketball regardless!

[@michaelmackelvie]

Idk how that happened

[@arashnikoubashman6946]

Back to back world champions

[@cefb8923]

The second eagle 😂😂

[@EHeroClayman]

Commenting so the almighty algorithm boosts my brother to trending status. I enjoyed this breakdown. I'm a math nerd and numbers are my thing. I couldn't explain why certain players play better or worse but this video puts what I couldn't put into words. Hopefully, you make it 100K before the end of the playoffs.

[@killerjag]

I wish I could see you make full-length documentaries. Your style and presentation is absolutely phenomenal and you do an incredible job taking virtually every factor into account when crunching data.

[@boriswisnia6123]

Great video as always. You are so criminally underrated it's unfair. When people talk about NBA videos they talk about JXMY, and he's great but you are up there with him and other greats in editing, setup/layout, and ball knowledge. Keep up the great work

[@themanusandoval]

My new favorite YT channel. Keep up the great work Mike!

[@dryiyce5347]

I've found my new favorite channel. Can't wait to binge watch all your vids❤

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you!

[@owenpetersen6289]

Legitimately the second best basketball channel on youtube in terms of quality of content and production.

[@owenpetersen6289]

(To jxmyhighroller obviously)

[@aleksaa24]

thinking basketball > all

[@TheAndrewsAve]

Everything about this channel makes me happy, but especially the camaraderie I feel with this lifelong Blazers fan.

[@lightsoutbeast]

As always, incredible content. Always thought provoking and I love that you focus on basketball.

[@KazzyOfficial]

This is some of the best video quality I've ever seen on KZbin. Holy crap

[@TheMsauer103]

As a math nerd and sports lover this is the best channel on KZbin. Thank you for the time and effort you put into all your videos.

[@GiznowTV]

Listening to this while working - the way you explain it makes me relax, lol. subscribed.

[@XKloosyvv]

This channel is putting out some amazing content. Proud to be here now, I know its going to blow up soon. You remind me of a number driven SB nation when they were good.

[@ToxicMetropolis]

Great video! Context, analysis, examples, details, etc.

[@gatorbuck08]

This is the most underrated channel on KZbin. Incredible stuff.

[@Kai9oh7]

91k subs is nothing to laugh at, but you definitely deserve way more!! keep up the work bro u got great things coming 1000%

[@j.s.t.6515]

I love how this channel sounds, looks and feel like the deepest highest quality sport discourse possible and it's only after you finish the video that you realize it's 90% empty air 🤣. Someone give this man an award.

[@hugomorency8700]

This guy is becoming one of the goats of nba analysis videos

[@zanderyokum825]

I see no way you don't hit a million subscribers if you keep this up. Videos are exceptional

[@LAtrain12]

I assumed you had at least a million followers lmao but seriously your vids are incredible, so keep at it. Also as a Blazers fan I enjoyed the bit about Jodi Allen

[@Jeffer.son04]

Your videos are really incredible bro.Appreciate the content

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you my friend!

[@carterclarke5460]

I don’t understand how these videos are still underground. Such immaculate videos

[@Jesters_Thorny_Crown]

The math. The legos. The Agent Smith voice. It’s all perfectly blended together. Good stuff.

[@michaelijeh627]

This was an awesome video! I especially like how you incorporated game theory into it, as I think it's a very underrated aspect of sports (and in life). Keep creating high-quality content!

[@crackermonk]

Just have to say, 30 seconds in and I'm sold on your style.

[@owenwillis9650]

This channel should easily be one of the top sports pages man

[@JoãoFlorêncio-d8o]

something tells me you're an econ grad lol the way you think, and the concepts you bring up... econ grad and sports fan is ALWAYS a good mix!

[@bencormier9260]

I usually never comment on KZbin but this video made me. Such good content on this. I feel like you could have a future in coaching honestly

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Just stumbled on this from my for you page, and I’ve got to say: very impressive. Love the hosting, the script was great, and the overall aesthetic was on point. Keep it up.

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Top tier videos man, each video impresses me more than the last.

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bro makes a full film every video. this is insane. keep up the work

[@jabrrwocky]

The blow up is coming...keep up the quality work 🙌

[@MORONIC_official]

How is this guy not a sports analyst for ESPN or something. They need to hire him.

[@truthnotfeelings]

Bro you got me subbed and are slowly becoming one of my favourite basketball channels

[@ryanmburu3884]

bro two minutes in and already the editing is VOX levels man.

[@maskon1764]

Great video bro, I think we always have to remember the psychology of hoopers, iso ball is going nowhere. That’s what we all did as kids and they did also, it’s always gone be iso ball

[@galen659]

truly underrated content creator, love ur videos!

[@emmettshaw967]

You are one of the most skilled creators on this platform, keep it up!

[@ioannluka1]

Great video! Especially the Jody Allen part. Entertainment, analytics and a little bit of gossip is all we Blazers fans have - it's not like there is a real basketball team out there for us to watch.

[@wzsmart2890]

How do you not have millions of subscribers?? Production quality is insane.

[@alstonjames2726]

never disappointed by your videos, feels like you should have 1M+ subs, keep it up!

[@littlewooll8]

I love the heavy statistical analysis. This is the first video of yours I've watched and I am subscribing and going back to watch your other videos.

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you!

[@mrbuckbuck]

Note: John Von Neumann (9:26 in the video) is AN EXTREMELY PROLIFIC mathematician, almost every aspect - Physics (in my Astrophysics field), mathematical theorems, computer science and modelling, chemistry, economics, statistics, biology - almost every academic subject you'll learn in life that has science/computers/mathematics to it - he is there (especially computing nowadays) - unbelievable person. He was quite A BUSY PERSON.

[@anthonycavallo9275]

I never comment but hyped whenever I see your videos. I love these stats! Keep up the great work. This channel will be huge!

[@Chubbin_]

This is one of the best nba video essays ive ever seen

[@RPGabe]

I think the extra time for scouting in the playoffs is what encourages some of the heavy iso ball, since the scouting reports can focus on player tendencies and weaknesses to help get your best player on their best mismatch. Seems imperfect still, though.

[@partysnax1984]

I love watching your sub count go up every time I click on a video. You deserve all your success, these videos are amazing. Keep up the good work, and keep delivering this high quality content.

[@darthukas]

These are 9 million sub type of creativity. Well you got it, man. Just others gotta see it too

[@Attobaba]

Michael MacKelvie and Kendrick on the same day!

[@TheGeorgeD13]

Who's Kendrick?

[@narrow3601]

​@@TheGeorgeD13Kendrick da GOAT Lamar

[@TheGeorgeD13]

@@narrow3601 Oh I thought they were talking about a YT channel I didn't know about loll

[@resurrectedpa]

Two GOATs in their own way

[@hugomorency8700]

Didn't expect a Jody Allen diss but it was appreciated. Go blazers

[@colbyclark5915]

You’ve truly found your space here on KZbin man, phenomenal video once again!

[@Wowreally42]

I wonder how many millions of subs this channel will have in a few years? Glad I got here early.

[@IThinkJoshAllenIsHot]

This is sports in a nerdy way and im all for it🎉

[@jons1278]

On Blowouts being more frequent later in the playoffs... Some teams have harder roads to get to a later round. There is also more time for teams to study eachother. The teams that have more viable offensive/defensive options, and/or had more efficient, less exhausting roads - they will have a growing advantage over the teams that rely on a less adaptable, more gruelling set of tactics.

[@jemirtoussaint4940]

All this man does is drop bangers

[@Jypsiii]

Getting the playoff mode ad right after he mentions it was wild lol

[@moralesglitxhh27]

Great video man quality production looking forward to more

[@Solitude102]

It's the first time I come across this channel, and I enjoy the production quality and narration. You've definitely earn a subscription from me. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos across my feed.

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logged into youtube, saw you posted a new video, clicked on it almost immediately. love your stuff

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Great content, subscribed. Looking forward to what's next. Cheers

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every time michael posts it feels like christmas

[@catsoffon]

Didn’t realize you made the rubber band effect video! Great quality man!

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thank you!

[@ethantai430]

this might be my favorite video of all time

[@paulmilkus1430]

love the way you approach videos. looking forward to more content:)

[@TooShawn]

This dude lowkey one of my fav nba youtuber. Just behind jimmy highroller.

[@UltimateFrisbeeIsFun]

The iso point you made at the end was great, we look back at the old NBA and realize how stupid the lack of floor spacing was but basic math and even common sense says that having a player consistently dribble for 15 seconds and take a contested step back 30 footer is an awful strategy. Great video

[@Ucantwin360]

These are so good man, keep this up!

[@liamday453]

the goat has posted again.

[@MorpheusJorge]

You've got that Nathan Fillion / Sam Witwer voice. I could listen to it for days.

[@colepetersonmusic]

*sees channel name* *blazers pain* Yep. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Great video! Glad to see you’re doing well! Thanks KZbin algorithm!

[@Bkesal14]

This channel is incredible!

[@garrettgodfrey2762]

How are these videos so good. Props man thanks for making these

[@jameskelly1253]

such a good vid unc, earned a sub

[@mikedrynan4937]

I appreciate you giving mikes a good name

[@anarchistburrito7109]

Using the altitude clip with marlowe yelling yeaaaaaaaaaa! Has me kicking my feet

[@victorvolterra4726]

The ratio of video quality to subscribers on your channel is absurd. Just keep up the great work you’re already doing and this channel will eventually blow up!

[@michaelmackelvie]

Thanks Victor!

[@iamchaunceman]

This is legit! For those fan bases that don’t get more than a first round opportunity every 5 years or so I really feel sorry for you. That being said it’s gotta feel fucking sweet to be TWolves fans right about now. When patience does pay off…

[@Wolky324]

These videos are really good it's a shame he only really focuses on basketball

[@ivanisevic1991]

Incredible content man. Brilliant.

[@philevans6395]

i wish you talked about the theory of letting a team blow you out in the playoffs so you don't waste strategies and rest your players. Seemed to happen a bunch in the Spurs vs Heat series a few years ago

[@diggyj8874]

Great video love the topic

[@trentfox563]

I think the later rounds might have more blowouts because the 1-2 seeds usually sweep or win in 5 games and then the 3-6 seeds usually play 6-7 games in their series, so then it comes down to rest and the ability to prepare

[@anonymousn5292]

My theory has always been as follows: as you mentioned, teams have longer time and greater motivation to tailor their strategy to the specific team they are facing off against in a playoff series. This disproportionately benefits teams' defensive performance compared to offensive performance. What this results in is teams more often going to the one thing that can't really be "game-planned" for, which is individual one-on-one dominance. Not as necessary to have so much iso-ball in the regular season, because defenses aren't as prepared to take away all the other more efficient looks. The question I still do not have an answer or even a theory for: why does the effect of planning disproportionately reap greater rewards for defenses than for offenses? You'd think for every second a team spends scheming how to shut down the opposing team's favourite play or action, the other team spends a second drawing up new plans and actions, and the effects cancel out - right? Or for every adjustment a defense makes to an offensive player's weaknesses, an offense can make one to a defensive player's weaknesses? Don't quite know what that's about, but I'd be willing to be that it has to do with the "range" of offensive performance in the NBA on a player-by-player basis being much greater than that of defensive performance. I think if you take the best scorer in the NBA and put him against the worst and best defender for ten possessions each, he might get 6 makes and then 4 (difference of 2), but you take the best defender in the NBA and put him against the worst and best scorer, he might get 10 stops and then 6 (much greater difference of 4). I'm convinced of this being true to at least some extent, but how does this apply to the question posed above? I suspect it does, but don't know how.

[@tylervisagie]

Damn that voice is smooth. Amazing video. I’m sharing it & hope others do to so it gets all the views it deserves

[@gavinr1425]

This is great analysis I don't agree with the analysis of the foul increase in the playoffs, the amount of fouls called not only measures the referees but also the rate at which fouls are committed. Higher effort can mean more fouls committed, and the rate at which said "fouls" are called can still be lower. You mentioned this but I think you glossed over just how much of a difference that makes. I'm mainly saying that fouls called as a statistic is not really a measure of officiating. People will point to the fact that fouls per game have not increased over the years to argue that the game isn't any officiated any "softer" in the modern era, which completely ignores that officiating behavior has an impact on how players play.

[@ltrigga219]

Ugh, the Blazers Q4 collapse hurts every single time. Glad to hear you’re a Blazers fan!

[@keenkolo5767]

Why is your editing so good?!

[@Sportsbreak149]

This earned my subscription great work looking forward to Watching your channel.