I’ll return to them later on. If you love the game of basketball, or any sport, you know that there is so much to learn and apply it to life.
You can get something from any sport. That’s why it is so good to get your children involved in some sport early in their growth. They learn so much. Not only are they getting exercise and learning how their body works, but they are also learning how to get along with others and develop a team mentality. They learn how to focus on doing their exercises, their shots, handling the equipment to precision.
A good coach has the team practice, practice and more practice. The more they practice and practice well, the better they get. They have to eat well and rest well for the games so they can be completely focused and ready. Never underestimate their opponent. And so we should be the same in life. What is the goal? What is the mindset? Get the mindset straight and focused to play and ultimately win. The greatest example of this was Jesus. He knew what His purpose in coming to earth and He fulfilled it.
Kawhi Leonard has taught us a lot about how to be focused, intentional and play like a team. When Kawhi joined the Toronto Raptors in 2018, there was a lot of comments about his laugh and his laser-focused look. He didn’t brag, and his “swag” was in a word, different. He didn’t even talk much. You were lucky to get two sentences out of him.
However…….what I saw of Kawhi was different. I loved his laugh. I actually could relate to the teasing, the bantering and the criticism he was getting because to me, it felt like some “bullying” I used to get. Okay, I wasn’t bullied to the extent a lot of kids are today, but I was teased enough that it was annoying. What Kawhi had was FOCUS. Yep! He has a laser beam focus, and we kept watching him to spot him swerve and get distracted. What we got in return was more focus, and every move was one of intention.
When he got the ball to shoot, he checked out his area. He moved with careful precision and shot the ball in the hoop. Regardless of how these finals go down tonight (and I pray it ends tomorrow in Game 6 – the stress is annoying), the semi-final game facing the 76ers of the Eastern Conference will go down in our memory. Kawhi turned, looked at the rim, put the ball up in the air, and we watched it bounce 1, 2, 3, 4 – in!!!
The video below will be replayed for a long time to come. Stay focused – like Kawhi!
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