The human nature of resorting to excuses over accountability after losses and failure is common for superstars in the NBA, as it is not an unusual sight for a team to collapse in the postseason. These players are held answerable for the team's mistakes, and in the first or second occurrence, injuries, fatigue, and the mental pressure of the game are often cited as reasons.
However, these excuses cannot generally be recycled. After a point, fans begin to perceive such superstars differently once a similar answer is given in response to questions regarding disappointment.
Paul George of the LA Clippers did so several times while he was with the team, and though he is a legend in the books for carrying them to the Western Conference Finals, many recall the moments he avoided accountability, such as directly after the NBA's bubble.