The Psychology of a Comeback

I watched with tremendous interest tonight as the Houston Rockets jumped out to a double digit lead in the second quarter of their NBA playoff game with the Lakers. The Lakers went into halftime down by a dozen or more points.

Most coaches, players, and fans know that a team as good as Los Angeles will "make a run." In other words, there will be a "comeback" of some sort. In this case, it began right at the outset of the second half.

L.A. came roaring out of the locker room. They outscored the Rockets with jump shots, free throws, and wonderful drives to the hoop. On the other hand, Houston was tossing shots into a scoreless void at their end of the court.

The Lakers fought to within a two point deficit at 54-52 and then something happened. The comeback stalled. The Rockets ignited to soar once again, and the comeback had failed. What happened? What is the psychology of a team, or both teams, in this situation?

First, we see the Lakers have worked and clawed and stretched to pull back into the game. One could say at that point they were "spent." Or, they had "run out of gas," to use some old cliches. These statements may be true, but I think there is a deeper motivation or influence here.

That takes us to the second viewpoint. It is to say that Houston was more afraid of losing than Los Angeles was prepared to fight through and complete their impressive comeback. Someone once asked, "Do you play hard to win? Or, do you play hard so as not to lose?" Great question. I believe that horrible feeling of losing may very well be a greater motivator in this case, than the exhilaration of winning.

Houston took off. Los Angeles fell back from their comeback. Houston was playing with desperation and their playoff life on the line. They did NOT want to lose. The psychology will play itself out once more when the teams return to the court. However, this time both teams will be playing "not to lose."