Reflections on a Loss: The Value of Being in the Arena

Game 7 didn’t go the way we wanted. It hurts. There is no sugarcoating the sting of coming that close to the ultimate goal, only to fall just short.

But as the dust settles, my overwhelming feeling isn't regret—it's gratitude.

It is easy to look at a finals loss and focus entirely on the heartbreak. But the truth is, I would choose the agonizing pain of a Game 7 loss every single time over the safety of never making it to the big stage at all.

Here is why:

• The Price of Admission: To fail on the biggest stage, you first have to do the grueling work to get there. You have to win the early rounds, survive the setbacks, and earn your spot in the arena. We battled from being the 8th seed, with a twice to win disadvantage, suffered the loss of our import in the midst of the semi finals, just to get to the final. 
• The Growth in the Grind: We didn't get the trophy, but we got the pressure, the stakes, and the invaluable experience that only comes when everything is on the line. That changes you as a competitor and a professional.
• The Courage to Risk It: True growth requires the willingness to try and fail publicly. Staying on the sidelines is safe, but it's also where potential goes to die. This was our 5th dtraight Finals appearance, and I must say we've continued to grow in the process.

To my team and everyone who put their heart into this run: thank you. We didn't get the fairytale ending this time, but we showed to grit and character. More importantly, we showed what being a real TEAM is all about. The other team beat us, and that's what sports is all about - giving your best and still coming up short. But at least we gave ourselves a chance. If we did not give our best, we'd have no chance. 

We grieve the loss today, but tomorrow we start building to get back. Because the only thing more painful than losing a final is never giving yourself the chance to win one.

On to the next! 🏀🔥