NPR

Scientists Explain A Common Fight In Basketball

Are players just pretending to be so certain the ball is out on their opponent? Or could there be a difference in how they experience the event that has them pointing a finger at the other player?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and then-Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James scramble for a loose ball during Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

It happens all the time during basketball games. Two players are going for the ball. They touch it at the same time but neither controls it, and it flies out of bounds.

At that point, tempers rise — both are certain that the other player was the last to touch it, which should earn their own team a chance to control the ball.

Are the players just pretending

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