"Playing, it is a lot easier on your heart," Fesenko said.
Both players were on the inactive list Friday night, and took their usual places behind the Jazz's bench. Almond was active for Game 4 when Jason Hart was ailing, but did not play. Fesenko has been inactive the entire series.
But that doesn't mean the rookies aren't into the series. It's just the opposite, Fesenko said.
"I am cheering like crazy every game," he said before the game. "There are a lot of emotions for me. Every second, something happens. If it is going to be a couple tight games, probably I need to do surgery on my heart."
Fesenko appeared in nine games for the Jazz in 2007-08 and averaged 1.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. He spent a good chunk of the year with the Utah Flash, playing in 37 games.
"First of all, I am glad I don't have to pay for that second-row seat," he said. "It is definitely better to play, because when you play you are more concentrated. It's the game, and nothing else."
Almond also appeared in nine games his rookie season, averaging 1.4 points and 0.3 assists. He won the inaugural NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year award with the Flash.
His impression of the playoffs are similar to Fesenko's.
"It really trumps the regular season, intensity-wise," Almond said. "There's just a sense of urgency for both team. It is really cool to see."
Also, Almond said he is amazed at how mentally taxing the playoffs are on all his teammates.
"You play the same team over and over and over," he said. "It really becomes a grind on you mentally."
The players go through pregame warmups and stretching just as if they are going to play, then retreat to the locker room to change into street clothes.
That's never easy, Fesenko said.
"I am so nervous, and it is hard," he said. "It is especially [hard] when we lose. That's the worst feeling. It is almost like a piece of your soul has been given away."
And that's more costly than a second-row seat.
