Today’s Playbook

Playoff time is officially here! The EuroLeague playoffs always deliver crazy, high-energy games, and with the best-of-five format, you know it’s going to be a battle every night. We came into these first two games expecting a war, especially going up against last year's EuroLeague champions on their home court, easily one of the toughest places to play in Europe.

Handling that kind of atmosphere and pressure really tests your mental toughness. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you're playing your best basketball or fighting through a tough patch; the only thing that matters is getting the win for the team.

After two super close, hard-fought games, we managed to steal one on the road. Now it's back to our place, and we’re fighting for a shot at the Final Four in front of our fans. Let’s go Efes!

Here’s what’s on my mind in this week’s newsletter:

• 🏀Steve Nash Insight

• 🌱Healthy Snack Spotlight

• ▶️YouTube  → If We Win This....We Face the Champs

• ❓Q+A → @arturslimanis4303 on YouTube asked…

Steve Nash Insight🏀

As you guys probably noticed, I’m completely hooked on the new season of Mind the Game — It’s just incredible watching LeBron sit down with Steve Nash, one of the true masterminds of basketball.

Yeah, there’s already tons of footage out there showing off Nash’s ridiculous playmaking, but hearing him actually break it all down, especially while bouncing ideas off another legend like LeBron? I’m soaking it all up, trying to digest every little detail.

MIND THE GAME INSIGHT: Steve Nash’s Simplified Genius

In the latest episode, Nash dropped a serious gem that every hooper, especially the smaller or less athletic ones, needs to hear.

Steve Nash didn’t dominate by being the tallest or the fastest. His whole game was built around two key things:

• A nasty hesitation move (in basketball terms hesi)

• Elite understanding of the game’s flow.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• If he hit them with a hesi and the defender dropped back — he pulled up for the jumper.

• If he hit them with a hesi and the defender pressed up — he blew right by them.

That’s it, simple reads.

But the real magic happened in the pick-and-roll. Nash would come off the screen and then:

• If the defender stayed glued to him and already had a foul, he just let them ride it out.

• Subtly fall over, knowing the coach would light that player up from the sideline.

• Use the defender’s foul trouble against them — a mental game, not a physical one.

And once he got the big man back in drop coverage, the next layer kicked in:

• If help defenders stunted or bit down, he passed.

• If the defender fought back in front, he hit the midrange pull-up.

• If the paint was open, he kept going.

This is why understanding personnel, foul situations, defensive principles, and the mental side of the game is absolutely crucial.

Takeaway

• It’s NOT always about being the fastest or the strongest.

• Sometimes, the one who plays the smartest comes out on top.

🌱Healthy Snack Spotlight

Snacking is part of any active lifestyle, especially for athletes who need to refuel between meals or after training. The key is choosing snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying — something that supports recovery, energy, and overall health.

Why Smart Snacking Matters for Athletes

• Sustained Energy: Grazing on small, balanced bites every few hours helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps energy levels steady during long training days.

• Hydration & Electrolytes: Chia seeds absorb up to 10× their weight in water, helping you stay hydrated and supporting electrolyte balance.

• Micronutrient Boost: Quick snacks can be a convenient way to sneak in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that your body needs for optimal performance.

One of my all-time favourites is something Jen makes: Chia Eggnog. It’s a healthy twist on the classic holiday drink, packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s thanks to the chia seeds.

Integrating into Your Routine

• Pre‑Workout: For a later practice and don’t want to feel too full but still need some fuel, try eating about 1–2 hours before practice.

• Post‑Workout: When I get home, I try to get some protein within 30 minutes of finishing practice. I also make sure I'm drinking water with electrolytes. Always try to avoid regular protein bars and look for healthier options without all the junk in them.

• Snack Anytime: Keep a jar in the fridge for a quick pick‑me‑up between meals or during long travel days.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Here’s the link, as always, to my full list of guides, available to you as a part of the Playbook Community! Playbook Guides (Workouts, Pro Tips, Mobility Guides, Recovery info, etc)

YouTube Journey▶

The final EuroLeague game of the regular season is here, and everything’s on the line. One win means a ticket straight to the playoffs against Panathinaikos. A loss? We're headed to the Play-Ins to fight our way back.

After Zalgiris knocked out Partizan last week, they’re coming for us with full force. Come with me on this high-pressure ride through the last game of the regular season. Let’s see how it all plays out.

Q&A ❓

@arturslimanis4303 on YouTube asked…

“That's a nice question, thank you for asking! Especially with everything going on in the world right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the basketball and forget to take a step back.

In Istanbul, I’ve been attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Faith plays a huge role in my life, and no matter where I’m living or playing, I always try to find time to go to church and pray with my family. It brings me peace and helps me stay grounded. I think it’s so important to not only turn to God in the tough moments but also to be grateful when things are going well. Every day is a blessing.

A lot of people assume that pro athletes are supposed to be mentally and physically unshakable, but we’re all human, and more than that, we’re all children of God. At the end of the day, we’re doing our best to walk our path, just like anyone else.”

Faith + Consistency™ = The formula

God Bless!

🚨Want to see your question answered above? Reply to the newsletter or reach out to me on social. I will group all the questions together and be answering them on the newsletter and vlog in the coming weeks. Cheers!🚨

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If you have comments or questions or suggestions, PLEASE respond to the newsletter about anything. I want to hear from you and I promise, I read every response. My goal is to continue making a great Playbook and building a great community where we all get better together. And you’re a part of that journey!

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™, on and off the court!

Elijah