When a professional athletes steps onto the court or field, there is one thing and one thing only that crosses his or her mind. That is to outperform their opponents. To win, be champions and be the best that they can be.
Days or even months leading up to game time consist of hard grulling preparation. Weight training, running, exercising, having 2 sometimes 3/day practices. Why, to be the best. The more effort they put in the greater the reward. There are 82 games in an NBA season and 162 in the MLB, and each game is played to the maximum. Only the ones who wants it the most will finish on top. The player who practices harder, works stronger, and is physically and mentally ready, will see the greater reward. Failure is not an option in the mind of an athlete. To become successful one must never give up.