[walterwhite]

I agree defense has a lot to do with effort but doesn't there come a point when physical stamina takes place toward the end of a game? Like not getting past halfcourt on run outs because you're bent over huffing?

By this point of the season, if you're not in shape to play, then you ain't working hard enough. Playing, running, effort or no effort, if you can't go all out by now, then you've been loafing all year.