Yes, a lot of the result of balls going in is by burying your opponent creatively.I feel a huge part of the game is playing low percentage shots as long as they are safe or free. A few stragglers are bound to leak in given enough time and shots. The funny thing is sometimes its better to not make the ball and leave it hanging
A better way of thinking about it is the flow of momentum of the balls when you move them. If you can first guarantee that you will be leaving the cue ball in a good position without the risk of kisses or funny bounces, then balls moving in your direction can only cause good things to happen.
Your mind should be on the cue ball, but you can notice a bank-carom-ticky that would be hilarious if it actually goes in, and sometimes it ends up that way.