I think pushes are what sticks out in your mind because that is where the money is determined. But, late game pushes are really a product of previous play. If you play a strong game and have a lot of chips, it gives you options. But, if you play poorly and find yourself short on chips, your hands are forced late. So, your poor play early forced your hand down the road. so, I would say late game pushes are more a product of your earlier decisions...good early decisions keep you from having to push late which can reduce your chances of being busted by a suck out. but I'm new at this...