Make The Most Of It (3 Thoughts From The NBA Finals)

Amidst the big-name superstars in this year’s NBA Finals, there is a new star rising. No one could’ve predicted the kind of breakout performance Danny Green would have on the NBA’s biggest stage. The Finals are yet to be decided, and with 5 games in the books, this kid out of North Carolina has already set the NBA record for the most 3-pointers in a Final Series (and there’s still at least one, possibly two games left to play). He’s been so “In The Zone”, it seems that everything he’s thrown at the hoop goes in! It’s incredible.

What’s even more incredible is how hard he’s worked to get to this point. After playing in only 20 games in his first season, he was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers (The team that drafted him from UNC). He was later picked up by the San Antonio Spurs, but spent the next year bouncing around with different minor league NBA teams before he would even make the roster. In less than 2 years, Green has gone from being an unwanted rookie to the difference maker in the NBA Finals.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Danny Green:

1. HARD WORK PAYS OFF.

During the NBA lockout of 2011, Danny Green didn’t take extra vacation. While everyone else was waiting for the league to reach agreements, Green took his game overseas to stay sharp. At the lockouts end in 2011, he came back to the Spurs and wound up having his breakout season. Just like with Danny Green, the discipline to work hard and stay focused creates opportunities for success.

2. KNOW YOUR ROLE, AND DO IT WELL.

Danny Green is a GREAT 3-point shooter. On a team with superstar players like Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, he doesn’t have to do everything well. But his ability to know his role, and do it to the best of his ability, makes his team that much better. Knowing how you add value to your team is so important. Consider the ways you help make your team strong, and keep improving those areas.

3. MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

Who knows, this might be the only NBA Finals Danny Green ever plays in. Either way, he is making the most of his opportunity. He’ll never be able to look back and say “What if” or “If only I…”. Hitting 25 three pointers in 5 games is an NBA Finals record, and it’s Green’s way of seizing the moment. He’s making the most of his opportunity.

Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make the most of every chance you get.” Keep pushing forward, keep giving it your best, and whatever you do, don’t quit. Know that the hard work is not in vain, and your opportunity could be here before you know it. When it comes, make the most of it.