Edgar Momplaisir, a Los Angeles-based TV writer, comedian, and performer, has established himself across film and television, contributing to productions on Fox, Netflix, ABC, Paramount Plus, and Comedy Central. A Sundance New Voices Lab Fellow, Edgar Momplaisir has worked as a producer and writer for several acclaimed series, including Star Trek: Lower Decks, Everybody Still Hates Chris, and Blackish. Drawing from his background in performance and storytelling, Momplaisir examines how NBA players use structured pre-game routines to maintain focus and manage fatigue in a high-pressure environment. Through deliberate habits and preparation, these athletes demonstrate the balance between mental readiness and physical conditioning essential for elite competition.
How NBA Players Use Pre-Game Routines to Manage Focus and Fatigue
NBA players enter arenas hours before tip-off, but not to kill time. Their early arrival marks the start of carefully structured routines designed to sharpen focus and reduce fatigue. These pre-game systems vary by athlete but share one goal: maintaining physical and mental readiness in an environment that rarely slows down. Routines help players approach uncertain game conditions with consistent preparation.
Mental preparation plays a quiet but foundational role. Some players use visualization to rehearse sequences or outcomes. Others rely on brief checklists or breathing patterns to establish calm before stepping into public view. These behaviors are deliberate efforts to anchor attention and block distractions.
Once they transition to the court, physical activation becomes the next layer. This stage includes band work, dynamic stretching, core engagement, and percussive therapy to wake up muscle groups. Trainers adjust activation drills to fit individual needs. A forward recovering from a quad strain may focus on hip mobility, while a guard sharpens footwork and short-range burst.
Shooting routines typically follow. Many players move through personalized sequences before every game. Kevin Durant, for instance, cycles through designated spots on a timed sequence and avoids music to stay connected to the arena environment. These repetitions align footwork and shooting mechanics under controlled conditions, restoring rhythm before game pace takes over.
Locker room timing runs in parallel. Players manage final preparations and medical check-ins, decide whether to use music, and follow down-to-the-minute routines that line up with team warmups. These behaviors reduce decision fatigue and preserve focus. Players stage these steps so they arrive at the floor exactly when team warmups begin.
Food and hydration follow a schedule, too. Many players eat a carbohydrate-forward, moderate-protein meal several hours before game time and rely on water and electrolytes during warmups. Eating too early can cause sluggishness, while last-minute intake can lead to cramping or discomfort, so players choose simple, familiar foods to maintain comfort. Nutrition functions as part of the broader readiness framework.
Some players also consult performance staff during this window to fine-tune hydration, adjust recovery plans, or confirm nutrition based on recent workloads. These brief interactions help ensure each routine reflects current physical needs rather than a static checklist. As conditions shift—from soreness, travel, or prior exertion—trainers may tweak fluid intake or pre-game top-ups to maintain performance. Staff reinforce these adjustments in real time so athletes stay aligned with how they actually feel that night.
Routines also vary by position and individual needs. Coaches and staff tailor timing and intensity to role and matchup. Bigs may emphasize joint stability, while wings and guards focus on mobility and quick-footwork activation. Every routine reflects performance expectations and context.
During congested travel stretches, teams formalize certain routines to preserve readiness. Scheduling pre-game meals roughly four hours before tip-off, using quick carbohydrate top-ups for heavy-minute players, and maintaining steady hydration during warmups. Players pair fluids with electrolytes to sustain energy, particularly when fatigue from flights or time zones sets in.
Over time, these routines become more than game-day habits. They provide a stable framework for managing the physical demands of long seasons while supporting recovery between games. As roles change, structured readiness helps extend careers by keeping preparation consistent even as output shifts.
About Edgar Momplaisir
Edgar Momplaisir is a television writer, comedian, and producer known for his work on programs across major networks including ABC, Netflix, Fox, and Paramount Plus. A 2018 Sundance New Voices Lab Fellow, he has served in key creative roles on projects such as Blackish, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Everybody Still Hates Chris. Originally from New York City and now based in Los Angeles, Momplaisir combines his background in storytelling and improvisation with a lifelong appreciation for basketball and the New York Knicks.
