From Radiators To Reels: How NBA Teams Prepare Behind Closed Doors

Back in the NBA golden days, Celtics coach Red Auerbach was a true master at exploiting every possible edge to secure a homecourt advantage.

He didn’t just rely on talent or strategy — Auerbach made sure the visiting teams were already rattled before they ever took the floor.

One of his most infamous tactics was assigning opposing teams to different locker rooms every time they visited, throwing them off balance and making them feel increasingly alienated.

But that wasn’t all. Auerbach had a knack for subtle, and not-so-subtle, annoyances that only added to the discomfort.

For instance, he made certain at least one of the toilets in each locker room was always jammed up and overflowing. That tends to make visitors’ first taste of the arena something less than a pleasant one.

And let’s not forget about the radiators — Auerbach had them cranked up to a temperature that made the rooms unbearably hot. He timed it perfectly so that the noise of clanging pipes would rattle through the locker room just as teams arrived, and again during halftime. Opposing coaches barely could be heard.

Basically, it was a subtle psychological tactic that made the visitors feel out of sync before the game even began.

Pregame Preparations

Fast forward to today’s modern arenas, where such gamesmanship is long gone. Locker rooms are much more spacious and comfortable now, with high-end amenities like plush carpeting, individual dressing stalls, and yes, fully functioning heating and cooling systems.

But the pregame routine, and the pressure that builds in those locker rooms, remains as intense as ever.

Both teams typically go through similar routines before the game. Trainers arrive at least 30 minutes before the players, setting up everything from heating pads and ice bags to wraps, sticky sprays, and the all-essential chewing gum.

The cooler is stocked with an assortment of sodas, juices, and water bottles, while a tray of fruits is laid out for the players to snack on before hitting the court.

Several monitors show clips of the opponent’s latest game or a previous matchup, and the coaches take the opportunity to fill up a grease board with diagrams and last-minute scouting info.

As tipoff nears, the energy in the locker room is palpable. The coaching staff, often split into groups, begins their preparations. In modern arenas, the head coach even has his own private space to gather his thoughts.

While some younger assistants rush to the court to lead shooting drills, the more seasoned veterans focus on their roles, helping with the final touches on strategy.

As for the players, rookies typically get taped first, while the older guys take their time, knowing they have a bit more leeway before they need to get in game mode.

When the media is kicked out of the locker room 45 minutes before tipoff, teams come together to review the plan. Every assistant is responsible for scouting specific opponents, diving into game film to present a detailed report to the head coach.

He then builds a tailored game plan based on the information, making sure every player understands their role. After that, it’s time for the final pregame pep talk.

Some speeches are motivational, while others are simple reminders of the stakes.

Former Lakers coach Jerry West, for example, was notorious for giving the same speech every time: “This game is the most important game of the season.”

Word is, the players eventually tuned him out, realizing that it was actually just one of 82, and they’d most likely get to try again the next day. If not, then the day after that.

Regardless, that moment before tipoff is crucial. Some teams gather for a pregame prayer, led by a chaplain or even a player. NBA coaches often step away during this time, giving the players a few moments of privacy before they hit the court.

Time To Tip Things Off

After all that, it’s time for the men in uniform to adjust their gear, make last-minute preparations, and get ready for 48 minutes of basketball war.

Whether they’re messing with their shoes, fixing their hair, or just getting in the right headspace, every player is focused on one thing — preparing for what’s next.

Once the buzzer sounds and the ball is tipped, the coaches’ strategies and substitutions begin to unfold.

Coaches often have a set plan for rotations, so players know when they’ll be called upon to make an impact. It’s a delicate balance of timing and energy management.

For players who spend most of the game on the bench, knowing exactly when they’re going in helps them stay loose and focused. That said, some coaches are well-known for the unpredictability of their rotations.

Don Nelson, for instance, had a reputation for keeping players on the bench for long and frustrating stretches. It was the type of substation pattern that could throw a wrench in a player’s mental game.

Meanwhile, other NBA coaches are more like Phil Jackson — who made sure to use his full roster, keeping players in the loop and ready to contribute on a moment’s notice.

As the game progresses, timeouts become critical moments for teams to adjust on the fly. Coaches huddle with their assistants to discuss strategies, make tweaks, and plan for what’s next.

Players generally use these brief moments to recharge, refocus, and share their own thoughts.

Depending on the flow of the game, the halftime break may be a time for the coach to deliver a scathing message if the team’s performance has been lackluster.

Some leaders, like original Cavaliers coach Bill Fitch, even had unique halftime strategies, such as dimming the lights and narrating a video to highlight key moments — though today’s players may not respond favorably to such an approach.

Then comes the second half, when every possession counts. The initial five minutes after halftime are crucial for gaining control, and that’s where the coach’s adjustments come into play.

Whether it’s switching defenses, changing the offensive flow, or calling for a specific set, these decisions can determine the outcome.

As the game winds down, it’s not just about execution; it’s about timing. Coaches need to know which players want the ball in clutch moments, and which may need a little more encouragement.

Postgame Lessons

When the final buzzer sounds, NBA locker rooms generally offer a brief moment of reflection. A tough loss might lead to a coach’s fiery postgame speech, but even in victory, there’s always a lesson to be learned.

For a team that’s been through the grind of 82 games, there’s also always something to take away — something that is expected to help them improve moving forward.

Afterward, it’s time for media duties and, for some, a bit of downtime before the next game.

Whether it’s another city, another team, or just another opportunity to prove themselves, the cycle continues.

The flavor of a great win may not last long, but the hunger for the next challenge is always there. At least, it ought to be.

In the NBA, there’s no time to rest on your laurels — every day is a new chance to compete, to grow, and yes, to get that win.

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