196. Bobcat Mascot: Am I that scary?

After rallying his teammates, Felton returned to his seat parched, and gulped down half a bottle of mineral water with a "thud thud thud."

Rondo hesitated for a moment before saying, "Boss, I don't think your pep talk earlier did much."

Felton replied, "I know, Jack and Emeka are aware of that too."

Rondo thought he was the first to realize it. Surprised that everyone knew, he asked, "Then why bother saying it?"

Felton had never really thought about this question. Recalling conversations he had with his little brother, he said, "It's not entirely useless. At the beginning of each phase, declaring a goal gives the entire team a clear direction to strive for, and the pressure and motivation that comes with it are important. Rajon, not everyone is as smart as you, knowing what to do. Without telling some teammates when the game is tomorrow afternoon, they might not even show up at the arena."