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The studies I posted are the closest you’re going to get to statistical proof. They wouldn’t have been published by psychologists if there wasn’t statistical significance in the data they collected. Ever been “in the flow?” Either at work, in sport, or somehow in your daily day-to-day? That’s momentum. In management and leadership, you want to give your constituents tasks that, while difficult, they can achieve. This increases levels of self-efficacy and gets them “in the flow.” That statement was quantified by research by Kouzes and Posner. That same mindset has utility in sports as well. You perform difficult tasks well as an athlete (put together drives, turn the offense over, etc), and you increase your flow. You begin to execute without thinking. That’s momentum.
I have definitely been "in the flow". And I have performed exceptionally under those circumstances at times.
But that's not the only factor. You also have to ask how the opponents are doing. If they've gotten "in the flow" as well after a big play has gone against them (and I've seen and experienced this often over the years), then they can have just as much chance of making the next big play as you do. Perhaps more.
There's a lot to factor in. Personally, I go with the oft-quoted truth that momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher.