I think playoff experience matters for sure.
Throughout my career, I have faced the best forward players in the world - many of them who are considered among the greatest ever. For me, there is never a fear. A respect, yes, but never a fear.
I seem to get the best out of myself when the pressure's on. My senses are heightened. I feel sharper. I do better things.
After a level, it does not matter if you are capable to do 100 push-ups, but how to take action in a do-or-die situation - saving your country while on mission.
I perform better under pressure. If I go out there, and I'm not nervous, and I'm too relaxed, I don't like that vibe. I like big matches. I like pressure situations.
Depending on the point in the game and what's necessary, if you can deliver the play, whatever that is - heck, if it's a screen - and you get a guy open, and he scores a big basket for you, that gives me as much of a charge as anything.
Players at the top level have to be ready for everything.
I've really learned over the years how to control my adrenaline and let it all out when they shoot the gun versus letting the crowd and the lights and the camera get to me.
If you're going to do an interview about a movie or anything like that, you're vulnerable. You say stupid things. Or if you're applying for a green card you feel very vulnerable and you're likely to spout out something stupid in the middle of it all.
I think I thrive under the spotlight; I live for a big moment.
I'm fascinated by the idea of disparate, difficult people learning to trust each other when they're thrust into hellish circumstances.
I used to hate exposure situations. What is generally referred to as 'red carpet.'
Playing big teams is something I really enjoy - the bigger the team the better.
On grass, many players can be dangerous because one break can decide a whole set.
One of the main things that stand out for me is the mentality of the best players. They really want to be in those big moments, have the responsibility, the trust in themselves and the self-belief.
At Bayern, I was used to coming out of my box to try and clear up dangerous situations. The World Cup was just another platform, so it gave other people the chance to see me who don't watch German football.
In New York, you're forced to deal with life; it's there in front of you on a daily basis.
When you're playing football, and your enemies are there, you don't have a lot of time to think to yourself. You've got stuff to handle. You've got places to be, meetings to go to, bigger fish to fry. You really don't attack the emotional side of your life.
Oh, I still get a little anxiety when I'm doing NFL live for ESPN.
Sometimes in golf I've got 10,000 people watching me. Cameras are easy. Doing the Jay Leno show was easy.
There are only two types of player-those who keep their nerves under control and win championships, and those who do not.
I get that every game. High school. At Duke. When I do the introductions, I get a little butterflies. Once I step on the floor, I'm fine.
I've never been cold during a big game. It's the adrenaline. You're always moving.
When you have experienced players, you don't tremble when it comes to playing in a hostile atmosphere or under pressure.
It's no surprise that optimistic athletes, managers and teams do better. What's interesting is where they do better. It's in coming back from defeat and acting in the clutch.
