Healthy and Harmful Isolation

The Houston Rockets tied up the Western Conference Finals 1-1 last night after winning at home 127-105 over the Golden State Warriors.

James Harden and Eric Gordon led the way with 27 points apiece. After the Rockets' disappointing loss in Game 1, there was plenty of criticism and questioning about their style of play.

Houston had the best NBA record this season with their offense centered around isolation basketball. Shooters spread the floor while their primary ball handlers (Harden and Chris Paul) created great shots, drove to the hoop, drew a double team, and then kicked out to open shooters.

Despite losing Game 1 (and some critics thinking iso-ball doesn’t work against the Warriors), they stuck with their successful strategy and executed better in Game 2 to even the series 1-1.

In Ramona Shelburne’s article on ESPN.com, she indicated that “According to Second Spectrum the Rockets actually finished with more isolation plays Wednesday (46) than they did Monday (45), when they ran more isolations than any team in any game over the past five years.

"This time though, it was spread around more equitably than in the Game 1 loss. Harden went from 26 isolation plays to 16, and Chris Paul increased his from 10 to 16 -- leading to increased playmaking opportunities for one of the best point guards of all time.”

The bottom line is that isolation basketball works when there is a healthy balance between a playmaker dribbling the ball and ultimately getting his teammates involved. One player can’t just remain in isolation and throw up bad shots but must spread the ball to those players surrounding him.

In our own lives, there is also an important balance to implement when it comes to isolation. On one end, “iso-ball” can be very negative for us if we’re always alone and don't interact in meaningful ways with others.

We can selfishly do what we want or try to figure out life on our own, but Proverbs 18:1 (ESV) shares this wisdom: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

On the other hand, there is great value in seeking the Lord in solitude as it prepares us to go out and get our teammates involved.

Jesus led by example in demonstrating the rhythm of isolation and going out and ministering to others:

Luke 5:16 (AMP) tells us, "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray .”

Mark 1:35 (NLT) says, "Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

As we watch the Rockets incorporate isolation plays to set up “increased playmaking opportunities,” let’s be challenged to spend enough time in isolation...while also intent on finding opportunities to surround ourselves with teammates to share the ball with.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me understand the difference between healthy isolation and harmful isolation. I pray I'd value and maximize my alone time with You so that I can be well prepared to share my life with others...and my passion for You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.