Cavs Squander the Lead

The Spurs and Thunder kicked off the Western Conference finals on Monday in a double overtime thriller as San Antonio pulled out the Game 1 win in Oklahoma City.

It was hard to imagine that the Knicks and Cavs would also have an amazing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals the following night, but that’s exactly what happened as the Knicks pulled out one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history with a 115-104 win in overtime.

With 8:19 left to go in the fourth quarter, the Knicks were down by 22 points. Jalen Brunson led the way as he delivered 16 points in the fourth, and the Knicks sent it to overtime thanks to a 30-8 run.

Overall, they went on an unbelievable 44-11 run in the 4th and overtime to take Game 1 from the Cavs. Not giving up, they kept attacking, got the necessary stops, and took control of the series.

As impressive as the Knicks were down the stretch, I want to focus on the fact that the Cavs squandered their lead and the chance to win on the road in New York.

According to ESPN Analytics, the Cavaliers had a 99.9% chance of winning with 7:49 remaining in the contest. 

The Cavs were playing so well, feeling confident after their Game 7 win over one-seeded Detroit in the last series, and they were given the chance to jump out to a 1-0 series lead against the Knicks.

However, instead of finishing strong, building on their momentum with the lead, and securing the victory, this talented team let the opportunity slip away. They lacked the necessary defensive adjustments and effort and failed to make the most of the moment.

One of the biggest mistakes was Cleveland's head coach, Kenny Atkinson, calling only one timeout during the Knicks' comeback, leaving two unused in the fourth quarter. He squandered them while missing the opportunity to stop the momentum and talk to his team.

Meanwhile, the Cavs' star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden helped Cleveland build a 22-point lead, but as the Knicks came back, they shot 1-for-10 from the field and scored only 3 points while turning the ball over twice. Harden also gave up basket after basket as he was attempting to guard Jalen Brunson.

In the end, according to ESPN.com, “The blown 22-point lead is the second-largest, fourth-quarter collapse in the past 30 postseasons.”  

So why did the Cavs let up and take their foot off the gas? Were they being complacent, lazy, foolish, or undisciplined?  The Knicks were remarkable, but we still can't help but question how the Cavs let the lead vanish after having the game in their hands.

So, based on New York's comeback and Cleveland’s role in allowing it to happen, let's find some encouragement as we unpack what it means to "squander a lead" in our own lives.

We are given grace, mercy, talents, spiritual gifts, opportunities, jobs, and money to accomplish God's purposes and bring value to others.

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) tells us, "God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

We should ask whether we are making the most of what we've received or squandering those gifts and blessings. Are we taking advantage of the opportunities we have and making the most of the position we're in? Do we have “unused timeouts” so to speak?

Also, are we good stewards of all we have, or do we tend to be lazy, complacent, selfish, undisciplined, and unaware that the "lead is slipping away"?

Romans 12:11 (NLT) says, "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically."

We don't want to waste our lives, talents, or financial gifts on meaningless purposes. Instead, we want to serve God and others. We want to finish strong and make adjustments so we don't look back at the end of our lives and think we squandered what God entrusted us.

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) encourages us: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

As we inventory the opportunities, gifts, relationships, talents, and money before us, let's seek God's direction to be good stewards and not let them slip away.

Proverbs 10:16 (NLT) explains, "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

If we've squandered parts of our lives in the past, let's remember the prodigal son who, after wasting his inheritance, was received by his father with open arms upon his return.

Likewise, God welcomes us with open arms while His love and grace cover our past mistakes and empower us to finish strong from this point forward. We all have more than we deserve, as God richly blesses us in many ways, beginning with salvation through Jesus.

Today, let's have the approach that whatever we have and whatever we do, we do it for Him―not letting up or squandering anything.

We are given this appeal in 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NLT): "As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it."

The Message paraphrases it this way: "Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us."

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take the gifts, relationships, talents, and blessings You've bestowed upon me seriously and not to get careless by squandering them. Please show me ways I can be a good steward and live with purpose and meaning for Your glory. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.