So far this season, the Golden State Warriors have returned to their status as an elite NBA team and title contender. Last night, the Warriors improved to a 12-2 record as they blew out the Brooklyn Nets on national TV 117-99, defeating their former teammate, Kevin Durant.
After a couple of down seasons with major injuries to their stars, as well as dealing with roster turnover, the Warriors are lighting up the scoreboard once again. Steph Curry's leading the way, scoring 37 points against the Nets and averaging 28.7 on the season. However, his impact is not just based on scoring.
Before the game, Kirk Goldsberry on ESPN.com wrote about the team’s strong start to the season: “It all starts with Curry, who is not only one of the most dangerous scorers in the league right now, but also one of its best playmakers too. He has always had a great feel for the game and a great knack for setting up his teammates, but at age 33, he might be having his best passing season ever.”
Following the game, Alex Schiffer wrote this on TheAthletic.com: “Golden State ended up giving the Nets a master class in ball movement. The Warriors sustained it throughout the game and finished with 25 assists on 41 made shots. It was clear the Nets hadn’t faced a team that could prioritize such ball movement throughout a game. In the first quarter, Curry drove toward the basket and fired a no-look pass to Draymond Green under the rim. Green passed on a layup and gave it right back to Curry, who took it and stepped out for a 3.”
Their offense is beautiful to watch, as the ball keeps moving and guys are willing to pass up their own shot for a teammate to get an even better look at the basket.
The Warriors’ ball movement is definitely one of the major keys to their previous success and it has them rolling this year as the team ranks first in both assists per game and assist percentage.
When I think about what passing means or represents, I find that the principles of this important element of the game can also translate into our own lives.
A pass represents the following:
Letting go and no longer being in control of the ball.
Trusting someone else to make a decision.
Setting up someone else to score.
Being willing to share and give to another person.
Moving the attention away from yourself.
The Bible encourages us to demonstrate similar principles.
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Philippians 2:4 (ESV) tells us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
We move the attention away from ourselves when we declare the words in Psalm 115:1 (NLT): “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Similar to the back and forth passing between Green and Curry (you take the shot, no you take the shot), Romans 12:10 (ESV) implores us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
As followers of Jesus, we should be known as good passers who “prioritize ball movement” – not people always looking for our own “shot.”
If we're willing to humble ourselves, love, and honor others, while also desiring to pass the glory to God, our lives will be beautiful to watch and experience.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me ways to become a better passer, giver, and servant. I pray that my life would bring glory to You as I sacrifice, love, and honor others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways do you have a tough time with the passing principles?
What is a way you can make a “pass” today and honor someone or serve someone?
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