Happy Fall! I am so excited for the end of Summer, partly for the weather change but mostly for what lies ahead. As we approach the beginning of November, my family is getting closer to our last competition of the year: a Championship for the young horses on our farm, as well as for our Young Riders. The Young Rider Championships has been a hot topic around here, especially with the potential for being on a team and what that really means. Because the sport of Eventing is mainly an individual sport, the concept of a team and how they best work got Earl and I talking about one of the most famous “game-winning shots” of basketball history. So for today’s Galloping Growth, here is the story of that famous shot.
The Chicago Bulls, lead by the incomparable Michael Jordan, was on the brink of winning their fifth championship. It was Game 6 and the Bulls faced off against the Utah Jazz, a formidable opponent, in the 1997 Finals.
The game was tied with just seconds on the clock. The Jazz’s defense, aware of Jordan’s prowess, focused on him. With the championship hanging in the balance, the defense swarmed Michael Jordan, knowing he would go for the win. But in a split second decision that would define his legacy as not only a scorer but a team player, he kicked the ball out to Steve Kerr, who stood open.
As Jordan dished the ball to Kerr, the world held its breath. Kerr released the shot. The ball swished through the net, and the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. Steve Kerr had just hit the game-winning shot.
Michael Jordan’s pass to Kerr was not just an assist; it was a symbol of his leadership and trust in his teammates. Jordan, often thought of as the best scoring player of all time, displayed his ability to make the right decision under immense pressure. He believed in his teammates and recognized that Kerr was in the best position to succeed.
The Bulls won the game 90-88, securing their fifth NBA Championship. Kerr’s game-winning shot not only solidified his place in history but also cemented the importance of teamwork in the sport. It was a moment that showcased the value of trust and selflessness in a team striving for greatness. Steve Kerr surely brought this lesson forward when he went on to coach the Golden State Warriors to multiple NBA Championships.
The Kerr-Jordan connection during that game-winning shot is a reminder that in basketball, as in life, success often hinges on teamwork and trust. This iconic moment serves as an enduring symbol of the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when individual talents combine to achieve a common goal.
Wow! After hearing that story, I am inspired to figure out how I could be a better teammate in my day-to-day life and in competition. The story also gives focus to the perspective that teamwork offers an array of benefits beyond achieving shared objectives. It’s fertile ground for personal growth, enabling you to expand your horizons, develop crucial life skills, and become a better, more well-rounded version of yourself. Embrace the opportunities for collaboration, and you’ll discover that the journey of self improvement is enriched by the collective effort and support of a strong team.
