True, however even the worst coach in the history of the sport knows enough to pull out his best players so that they can have enough to play when they are most needed.
Have you ever watched a basketball game where the coach pulls 3 starters with 3 minutes to go with a 3 point lead? Usually they would sit early in the fourth instead correct? Stamina would still have an effect because their total time on the floor would still be limited.
It is the same philosophy as pulling a player who is in foul trouble. You are saving them for when they are most needed on the court. It should be reasonable to do the same with fatigue.