Sean Elliott Will Long

SEAN ELLIOTT WILL LONG be remembered in San Antonio as a great player with a role in an amazing comeback story. And in 1999, he orchestrated a San Antonio Spurs victory that fans and writers refer to as the “Memorial Day Miracle.”

The Spurs hosted the Portland Trailblazers in the second game of the NBA Western Conference finals. With a four-point outburst after halftime, Portland jumped to a 52–34 lead. However, San Antonio countered with a 17–2 run and narrowed the gap to 54–51.

San Antonio could never take the lead but closed the gap to 73–72 with 5:25 left to play. After several baskets by both teams, Damon Stoudamire hit a 17-footer, giving Portland an 84–76 edge at the 1:59 mark.

Elliott, who had lit things up already with four three-pointers, connected on a fifth to cap a 5–0 Spurs run and cut the gap to 84–81. On Portland’s next possession, David Robinson stole the ball, and Mario Elie drew a foul. The guard sank both free throws, shrinking the difference to a single point. San Antonio purposely fouled Stoudamire with 12 seconds left to play, and the guard missed the first but canned the second foul shot.

Following a Spurs time-out, Elie passed the ball to Elliott on the right sideline. With his heels hanging near the sideline, Sean fired over a lunging Rasheed Wallace. As 35,260 Alamodome fans rose to their feet, the ball sailed through the hoop with the clock showing 9.9 seconds. Elliott’s sixth trey gave the Spurs their only lead of the game and allowed San Antonio to escape with an 86–85 triumph.

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POINT What a performance for San Antonio fans to remember on Memorial Day!

This holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868, as a time to remember soldiers who had fought in the Civil War. But after World War I, the holiday broadened to honor all Americans who died fighting for their country.

In the Bible, Joshua knew the importance of remembering. He built a memorial to help the people remember God’s deliverance of their nation. The Israelites often stacked up stone pillars as a reminder of God’s power and faithfulness.

GOAL! Think of some appropriate ways to remember those who died fighting for America’s freedom. Thank God for their sacrifice. And praise God for the ability to honor others.