“Talent alone is not enough if you’re not able to execute.” - Daniel Negreanu
Learn from other domains. Negreanu shares his wisdom. He has won six World Series of Poker bracelets and a pair of World Poker Championships.
An 'A' game fails when it balances an 'F' game. Discipline and consistency reign. A past situation does not determine the present result. We have to play the hand we're dealt.
Know how to play a situation in advance. A suited 9 and 4 don't pass muster. Seeing a 9-9-4 flop didn't change the preexisting math, just like deciding whether to foul late up three points.
The skills of poker require fundamental knowledge, application of mathematics (analytics), and discipline. Basketball is similar as you need knowledge, skill plus understanding shot quality, and good decision-making.
Don't deviate from correct decisions because of selfishness.
Don't compound a mistake by doubling down. It's a classic. A player takes a poor shot or turns the ball over and immediately fouls. Stop!
Be objective your self-analysis.
"Make the best possible decision you can with that hand in that moment."
And another thing, in crunch time, you can't bluff on the court.
Summary:
- Talent alone is not enough.
- Our "A" game is neutralized by an "F" game
- Knowledge, skill, and decision-making travel together
- Don't double down on mistakes.
- Be objective in self-analysis