It is a common, if folksy, idea that in the NBA teams have to “pay their dues” in the post season. In order to reach the top of the mountain where anything is possible — and other such cliches — team must build up some playoff calluses. Find their sea legs. Get some seasoning, so to speak.
That a team has to lose in the playoffs to know what it takes to win in the playoffs is now axiom. Seems reasonable enough. However, common knowledge, such that it is, doesn’t always apply in uncommon times.
If ever there was an uncommon time for the NBA, it’s now — inside the bubble.