The Hankering Can Play Tricks on You: Indiana's Motivation Proves to Be the ...

When you know your team has it in them, the prowess that is, but continue to fold under outnumbering of the hyenas in the jungle, you become discouraged. When the coaches do all they can, but the players don’t do their part, it’s frustrating. Frustrating to the point where you have to laugh to release the strain.

Laugh, just like Doc Rivers did with 1:13 left in a Boston Celtics - Indiana Pacers game last night, when the Celtics called a timeout to regroup facing an 11 point lead.

Laugh, just like Kevin Garnett did to refrain from screaming after Doc was called for a preposterous technical foul call.

Laugh, just like Tommy Heinsohn did when Joey Crawford continued to spit in our faces.

But then, become silent and mourn over the loss. Immerse yourself in playbooks, tape, and a marker and clipboard (Doc). Immerse yourself in your player’s rejoicing, the heart and soul of your team, and the simple bounce of a basketball (Kevin Garnett). Immerse yourself in statistical beatdowns, the screaming of a fellow fan, and the heartbreak that is your own (Tommy Heinsohn).

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