The San Antonio Spurs stormed to victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals Sunday. For basketball fans, it was some of the best basketball we've seen in some time. But the Spurs did more than display their shooting skills. They taught us a lot about winning.
TEAMWORK
Their ball movement was unique in the NBA, even among most college programs. They passed and passed and passed until you wondered at times if anyone would take a shot.
They valued and respected each other and the skills they each brought to the table. They were visibly engaged on the bench, cheering on the five players who were on the floor.
Speaking of the bench, they had fantastic contributions from their "second string." The guys off the bench stepped in at key moments, draining three pointers and snagging rebounds. But there was something more.
TEAMWORK
Their ball movement was unique in the NBA, even among most college programs. They passed and passed and passed until you wondered at times if anyone would take a shot.
They valued and respected each other and the skills they each brought to the table. They were visibly engaged on the bench, cheering on the five players who were on the floor.
Speaking of the bench, they had fantastic contributions from their "second string." The guys off the bench stepped in at key moments, draining three pointers and snagging rebounds. But there was something more.
MOTIVATION
The Spurs used last year's defeat in the NBA finals to "spur" them to victory this year. Tim Duncan talked about the bad taste last year's loss to Miami left in their mouth and how they used that loss as motivation this year.
Any loss can be hard to take, but it's what you do with the loss that's most important. How we respond to adversity is really more important than the adversity itself.
The Spurs chose not to hang their heads or break up the team or change their style of play. They simply got determined that they would get back to the finals and that they would win.
In the end, the Spurs destroyed the Heat on their way to a fifth NBA title. They showed that teamwork and proper motivation can be a winning combination.
How about you? What lessons did you take away from the Spurs championship?
Twitter: @wesbleed
The Spurs used last year's defeat in the NBA finals to "spur" them to victory this year. Tim Duncan talked about the bad taste last year's loss to Miami left in their mouth and how they used that loss as motivation this year.
Any loss can be hard to take, but it's what you do with the loss that's most important. How we respond to adversity is really more important than the adversity itself.
The Spurs chose not to hang their heads or break up the team or change their style of play. They simply got determined that they would get back to the finals and that they would win.
In the end, the Spurs destroyed the Heat on their way to a fifth NBA title. They showed that teamwork and proper motivation can be a winning combination.
How about you? What lessons did you take away from the Spurs championship?
Twitter: @wesbleed