As leaders, we all face dire circumstances. Resources are scarce. Our options are limited. Hope seems to be lost. It is during these times when your mettle is most tested. As a leader, what you do now is what matters most.
Such an event occurred on Saturday evening, May 27th in Game 6 of the Boston Celtics – Miami Heat Eastern Conference Championship series.
The Heat’s Jimmy Butler hit three free throws to give his team a 103-102 lead with only three seconds remaining in the game. Butler had become the full embodiment of his “Playoff Jimmy” persona as he scored ten points in the last 2:04 of the game. Sitting in the huddle during a timeout, Butler could be seen saying, “One more stop.” What he meant was if the Heat stopped the Celtics from scoring just one more time, they would win the series four-games-to-two and would move on to face the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Championship.
For a deeper dive into “Playoff Jimmy” read 9 Leadership Lessons From Jimmy Butler’s Historic 56-Point Play-off Performance.
The Boston Celtics needed a miracle. The team lined up for a last-second out-of-bounds play. Watch the video below to see what happened next.
As you can see, the Celtics’s Derrick White tipped in Marcus Smart’s missed shot as time expired to give the team a stunning victory. It was a miraculous victory by the Celtics. Post-game interviews captured by ESPN in this article provide all leaders five things you need to have a miracle in your leadership as well:
Someone’s Lack Of Opportunity Could Become Your Miracle
The person responsible for blocking out White was Heat forward Max Strus. Rather than being negligent, Strus played a crucial role in denying the Celtics’ top scorers, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, access to the ball. Consequently, he forced the ball into the hands of Smart, whose missed shot ultimately created the opportunity for White’s heroic performance. The lack of opportunity for Tatum and Brown became an opportunity for White to experience a miracle.
I was once part of an organization whose president was unexpectedly dismissed. Another business owner saw this as an opportunity and immediately employed his services to negotiate his next book deal. One person’s lack of opportunity became another person’s miracle.
Similarly, wealthy people know that downturns in the economy are garage sales for the rich. Everything is suddenly on sale. It is a time to secure distressed assets.
If you are looking for a miracle, look for areas where others feel opportunities may be lacking. You may like what you find.
Playing To Your Strengths Helps Make Miracles Happen
White was 20-feet from the basket when Smart’s shot was launched. But one of White’s best attributes is his incredible athleticism and speed. His quickness allowed him to be at the basket when the shot came out. Teammate Grant Williams reflected on how White got to the rim, “That’s because he’s the fastest guy in the league.”
If you are looking for a miracle, start by doing things you are already go at.
You Must Do Your Part In Making A Miracle A Reality
Miracles rarely come to the passive. Action will be required on your part. White said, “I mean, it don’t do no good to stand in the corner there. Whether he makes it or not, so I just was crashing the glass, and it came right to me.”
Somebody reading this post today needs to proverbially “crash the glass” and see what comes to you.
Miracles Happen Most Often To Those Who Are Looking For Them
You have to believe a miracle will happen for it to actually come true. Granted, more often than not, the miracles we are hoping for will not take place. That is why it is called a “miracle” and not a “regular occurrence.”
But they still happen from time-to-time if we believe and are looking for them.
White said about Smart’s shot, “I thought it was short.” He was aware of the situation at hand and was paying attention. You must do likewise to see a miracle happen.
Focus Helps Miracles Not Become Missed Opportunities
It is what happens after the miracle that truly counts. Admiral James Stavridis wrote on page 49 of his excellent book To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision the following words:
“Sometimes it is the crisis point that is the most uncomfortable, but the immediate aftermath that is the most dangerous – because you can be tempted to let down your guard.”
Admiral Stavridis would tell you that a miracle can become a letdown. So would Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. With all the chaos, pandemonium, and jubilation going on around at the end of the game, Coach Mazzulla was asked what went through his mind at the time, he said, “Game 7.”
As the team arrived in the locker room after the game, Coach Mazzulla immediately brought everyone together and reminded them of the work left to be done. They had only won the game, not the series, and certainly not the championship. The Celtics still had not achieved their overall goals.
In a word, what do you need after a miracle – FOCUS.
Coach Mazzulla’s concerns proved to be warranted. The Celtics lost in emphatic fashion in Game 7 by a score of 103-84. The miracle of Game 6 became a missed opportunity in Game 7.
For a deeper dive on the lessons from another miraculous late-game shot, read 20 Things You Must Have To Receive A Miracle In 2014 which captures Ray Allen’s famous last-second shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals.
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