… The rest depends on desire, will, and execution.
Maybe it’s just a difference in definitions, but IMO, the latter is way more of a differentiator than the 2 former. I am sure there are some out there that ho-hum it. But, at this level, and with these stakes, I think almost all players have the drive/desire/will/etc. To me, the bigger issue is controlling it.
Take PANARIN. I have no doubt he wants this as much as anyone. But, when PlayoffPanarin shows up, I see a guy that is pressing, overthinking, and dare I say overcaring to a fault. Too many times he does the oppositions job by removing himself mentally and physically from the game by NOT playing his own. With a such skilled player like that, I would much prefer less thinking and more doing. Let that skill shine. But really, that can be said about any player, not just purely skilled ones, that is…off. If that same player gets out of their own head, they maximize their results. Part of that is coaching, both pre and in game, to push those right buttons to just…do it.
Part of that is also just a mentally strong player. Maybe strong is the wrong word, but someone that developed the ability to compartmentalize and to NOT channel that desire and will into useless and self defeating energy. That is why I mentioned the definition part. A case could be made that, included in desire and will is the ability to focus and convert those feelings into positive and maximum results. If that’s the case than…yeah I agree, it is definitely part of the mix.
Or…..maybe throw all that shit out and say it’s luck like 51% of the time, lol.