Inspired by the psychology of match play in tennis.
The first and most important thing in basketball game is to know how to lose. Lose cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman. This is the first thing your mentality must prepare for a basketball game, and the second is like unto it to win modestly, cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman.
One object of basketball game is to win, but no credit goes to a team who does not win fairly and squarely. A victory is a defeat if it is other than fair. Yet again I say to win is the object, and to do so, a team should play to the last ounce of their strength, the last gasp of their breath, and the last scrap of their nerve. If you and your team do so and lose, the better team won. If you and your team do not, you and your team have robbed your opponent of their right of beating your best. Be fair to both them and your team.
“The Play’s the thing,” and in basketball game a good defeat is far more creditable than a hollow victory. Play basketball for the game’s sake. Play it for the opponent you meet, the friends you make, and the pleasure you may give to the public by the hard working yet sporting game that is owed them by their presence at the game.
image from journalstar.com and cartoonstock.com