The Cleveland Cavs have yet to lose a game in this year’s playoffs, and they appear destined for another trip to the NBA Finals. 

There is plenty of talk about LeBron James and the rest of the talented players on the roster, but what about the man standing on the sidelines coaching this team? 

Although Tyronn Lue seems to stand in the shadows, he has played a vital role in the success of this team since taking over as head coach during last year’s season.

As dominant as LeBron is, he still needs another trustworthy voice in the huddle and the locker room to keep the team on track. 

Lue may not have a large personality and isn’t looking for the spotlight, but his coaching style has some qualities that suit the Cavs very well. 

In a recent interview with ESPN, he said the following: “But I’ve always learned throughout my years in the NBA, just being poised on the sideline. Not going crazy every possession — on the officials, on your players.

“When you get to the timeouts in the fourth quarter, late-game situations, everyone is poised. Like, no one is all over the place. Everyone is locked in and you can execute better.” 

This mentality seems rare for head coaches in any sport, yet it makes so much sense. Lue helped lead the Cavs to an NBA Championship in his first season, so he must be doing something right. 

You and I may not be standing on the sideline of an intense playoff game, but we all face situations where we must decide to remain poised and calm or “go crazy and be all over the place.” 

Pressure and challenges can cause us to lose our composure and fly off the handle, but it’s clear that’s not the best answer. 

The Bible says in Proverbs 14:16-17 (NIV), “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.” 

As followers of Jesus, let’s rely on His peace and strength to remain poised and calm during the intense moments of life.

Let’s lean on God’s spirit inside of us to empower us to keep our composure, instead of looking like a hotheaded crazy man running up and down the sidelines of life!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit it’s challenging for me to always remain poised and calm during stressful situations. I pray I would pause and depend on Your peace and strength to keep my composure, instead of being quick-tempered. Thank you for Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.