Basketball Teams Don’t Expect

BASKETBALL TEAMS DON’T EXPECT to lose when they surge to a 28-point first-half lead. But as the Phoenix Suns discovered, no lead is safe if you’re not prepared.

The Suns hosted the Sacramento Kings in the teams’ third encounter of the 2000–01 season. After losing the first two games, Phoenix wanted revenge. The Suns felt confident, knowing how well they usually played on their home court. An avid crowd of 19,023 packed the America West Arena to witness the contest.

Rooted on by the hometown fans, Phoenix totally dominated. The Suns built a 60–32 lead with a little over three minutes remaining before halftime. At the intermission, the Suns held a 64–40 edge.

Ashamed of their lackluster performance, the Kings regrouped. They opened the third quarter with a 12–0 run. The stunned Suns were outscored 30–9 during the period. Although Phoenix still led 73–70, apprehension grew on the bench and in the stands.

A 10–2 run to open the final quarter put Sacramento up 82–77. The Kings extended the lead to as many as 17 points before winning 100–89.

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POINT How could the Suns collapse and let the Kings come back on them at home? In athletics, the team on top must watch and be prepared. Otherwise an opponent can catch up and take control.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be prepared to talk about our relationship with him at any time. You never know when somebody will ask a question about your faith or when God will give you an opportunity to speak about him. Christians must always be prepared to share about Jesus Christ in a respectful way.

GOAL! If you knew a pro scout would be coming to your game sometime during the season but you didn’t know when, would you make sure you were ready? How would you prepare? Ask God to help you be prepared to share about him.