[QUOTE=nydoc;42129]concerned about the early start time in phila? i was a little reluctant with bulls yesterday, but took it anyway and lost.[/QUOTE]
The precise reason that posted totals go DOWN in the playoffs is because intensity goes up. Intensity shows up much more on the defensive end.
Example, the last two regular season meetings between the two had totals of 196. If anything, in theory the early start time could mean lethargy, which means more points.
Phil Jackson, who knows a little about coaching, blamed the Lakers Game 1 loss to playing in the morning. 209 points were scored in that game. The two late games have seen 163 and 186.