[owsley]

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Why do pro athletes try hard in the playoffs when the playoff bonus money is so insignificant compared to their normal salaries? Its because many world class athletes love competition and want to prove that they are the best.

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You are wrong, there is a lot of money at stake for the players during the playoffs of every pro sport. A great or poor playoff performance can have a huge effect on that players next contract, endorsements, tv ads, everything. They aren't just doing it for the love of the game, although of course thats a factor, they also know that if they put in a great performance they will get a lot more money.

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Ok, so what about an athlete that is set to retire after this year? Do you think he tries during the playoffs?

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Of course he tries. Obviously guys that are playing their last couple games are going to be inspired.

I never said that stuff like pride competition didn't motivate players, it does. I said that one of the reasons they put forth extra effort in the playoffs is because there is a lot of money at stake. It's just wrong to say that the money differential between different playoff finishes is "insignificant". It's large.