Can a single encouragement make Ben Wallace better immediately?
Of course not.
But it can help Ben Wallace keep persevering, withstand the pressure from public opinion, and...
After arriving in Indianapolis, he said in an interview: "The reason we lost to the Rockets is on me. Although my teammates never blamed me, I know it's because I'm not strong enough yet. I will continue to work hard and do my best to help the team."
Ben Wallace is not a fool. Once he pulled himself out of simple frustration, he knew he couldn't stop trying. Someone is watching him, someone is expecting him to grow, and that person might even be the most gifted talent in basketball history. He got himself back together.
He also understood that at this stage, other than needing to replace Shaquille O'Neal in the starting line-up and in certain other phases of defense, the coach gave him a chance, but the coach might also want him to take responsibility for losses.
