[twincities77]

What motivates a player to play hard in a particular game? I'm looking for what you intuitively believe as a fan/bettor as well as input from folks who maybe have played organized basketball (high school, college, whatever). Also, I'm wondering how you believe this increase in motivation manifests itself during a typical game. My immediate thought is on the defensive end, but I'm looking for more specifics. Thanks.

[HoulihansTX]

Wanting to win

TV games

Playing for contract

Like their coach

They are fueled by the "Nobody believes in us" factor

Having a lot to prove

People in stands are fans of yours or close relatives.

[twincities77]

Thank you for the list, exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for in the first question. Can you explain "wanting to win" and "having a lot to prove" in more detail?

[HoulihansTX]

Thank you for the list, exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for in the first question. Can you explain "wanting to win" and "having a lot to prove" in more detail?

The team has to have something to play for such as a playoff spot, a person on the other team they want to beat, or being an ultimate competitor.

Having a lot to prove stems from players playing with a chip on their shoulder. Maybe the team is full of guys that nobody else wanted(Heat, Memphis), the team has a bunch of underdogs on their squad(Houston), or the team has guys who will sellout on Defense(Thunder)

hey are fueled by the "Nobody believes in us" factor(Suns, Houston)

Like their coach(Lakers, Thunder, Houston, Heat, a few more but too hard to compile list)

Playing for contract(Hurting the Knicks, but helping the Heat, b/c Jermaine O' Neal has woken up from his coffin)

[twincities77]

Bump for the evening crowd.

[Sekrah]

Contracts are definently the biggest deal IMO.

I think people will always throw it into another gear when they know there is money on the line.