The Golden State Warriors took a 3-0 series lead with last night’s 110-102 win over the Cavs. The storyline remains the same…the Warriors are just too good!

What makes the Warriors so dangerous is their number of weapons and ability to have multiple players get hot. With a mantra of “Strength in Numbers,” their loaded roster (including four All-Stars and two former MVPs) continues to live up to it.

Although they often times blow teams out when Steph, Klay, and Durant drain threes and hit shots all over the court, there are also games (like last night) when a couple of their stars struggle.

Klay Thompson was only 4 of 11 from the field, and Steph Curry shot 3 of 16 and 1 of 10 from the 3-point line. Neither of them was able to find their stroke, but Kevin Durant rose to the occasion and carried the team with 43 points, including 6 made threes.

Game 3 is a tremendous example of how the Warriors rely on each other to step up if they’re struggling with their shot. They’re surrounded by trustworthy teammates who can step in when things aren’t going their way.

Their “Strength in Numbers” mantra is effectively carried out by knowing they can always count on someone to lift up the team.

In our own lives, do we surround ourselves with people who are willing to “pick up the scoring” when we’re struggling to “hit a shot?” Do we seek out teammates we know we can trust when life isn’t going our way?

At the same time, are we a friend or family member who is always there when needed to step in or step up? Are we the type of teammate that can be counted on to carry others when they need our help?

When considering “strength in numbers” and going through life together, Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 (NLT) encourages us with these words:

“If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

When things aren’t clicking, we absolutely need encouragement and support from others to get us through times when our “shot is off.”

Today, let’s look for ways to pick each other up. Let’s be willing to rely on others for help during our times of struggle.

As we pray for each other and point one another to Jesus, let’s be mindful of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP): “Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would show me ways I can carry my friends and family when they need me to. I pray I’d find my strength in You to do that well. Help me not to live life alone, but be willing to rely on others to pick me up during times of struggle. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.