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The NYT article about the NBA made me think of my experiences as a flutist. I can remember one audition in particular where I was nervous and couldn't really focus. To deal with my nervousness, I ended playing the piece without really thinking about it; I was pretty much on automatic. That audition ended up being by most successful. I think basketball players also get it this automatic mode during games, where brain can react to surroundings and coordinate the body, but at the same time the players don't really feel like they're thinking. A few of the NBA players also found they were most successful when they were not thinking too much. I find it interesting that not thinking can somehow make you a better player. I guess awareness can be a distraction.