When A Team Faces

WHEN A TEAM FACES playoff elimination, it plays with determination. In 1999, Teresa Weatherspoon’s never-give-up attitude helped extend the New York Liberty’s season.

The Liberty met the Houston Comets in game two of the best-of-three WNBA finals. After the Liberty lost 73–60 on its home court, another loss would result in a sad return trip to New York and a jubilant celebration for the Comets’ third straight crown.

In the contest’s early stages, Houston appeared headed for the two-game sweep. Leading by as many as 18 points in the first half, the Comets held a 37–23 advantage at the intermission. That’s when Liberty coach Richie Adubato instructed Crystal Robinson to take command in the second half. The former Southeast Oklahoma State guard found her shooting eye and tallied 16 points in a 19–2 New York run to open the second half.

Houston regrouped, however, and the two teams fought back and forth. With 2.4 seconds remaining, Tina Thompson banked a shot off the glass, putting the Comets in front 67–65 and apparently cementing the Houston three-peat.

After calling a time-out, the Liberty inbounded the ball to Teresa Weatherspoon in the backcourt. Taking two dribbles, the 33-year-old veteran launched the ball from behind the midcourt line. From 53 feet, the ball arced through the air, bounced off the backboard, and ripped through the net at the buzzer. The improbable shot brought New York a 68–67 victory and knotted the series at a game each.

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POINT Teresa Weatherspoon didn’t give up. Although chances for victory appeared bleak, Weatherspoon gave her best effort and was rewarded with victory.

One day Jesus Christ told his followers a story about never giving up. In the story a widow bugs a judge so much that he finally gives her justice. The point is: The Lord rewards persistence; he wants us to keep trying.

You never know when your final efforts will result in a victory for God . . . or a 53-foot three-pointer.

GOAL! Read the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. What can you learn from this parable? Pray that God gives you a never-give-up attitude when it comes to following his will.