No Lead is Safe: Lessons from the Pacers' Game 3 Loss for Bar Exam Prep

Last night, my favorite professional basketball team, the Indiana Pacers, faced a tough loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Despite leading by 18 points (yes, 18 points!) midway through the third quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals—and having a 95.1% change of winning according to ESPN Analytics—the Pacers couldn't hold on. They ultimately fell 114-111.

The Celtics now lead the best-of-seven series, 3-0, and with All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton injured, the future doesn’t look good for the Pacers. No team has come back from a 0-3 deficit in the history of the NBA Playoffs.

But instead of dwelling on what seems to be the Pacers’ ultimate bounce from the NBA Playoffs, I’m using last night’s game as an opportunity to discuss some bar exam strategies. You’re welcome.

As Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard raced down the court in the final moments of Game 3, he symbolized the hope of Pacers fans everywhere. But Boston's Jrue Holiday was right there, step for step. With just seconds left in the game, Holiday stole the ball, was fouled, and sealed the game with free throws, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of basketball.

In the end, this heartbreaking game offers an important lesson for those preparing for the bar exam: in both basketball and bar preparation, no lead is ever truly safe.

As Jayson Tatum noted in his post-game interview, "No lead is safe in the NBA no more."

The Power of Streaks

In basketball, momentum can shift in an instant. A team might be down by 18 points, like Celtics last night, but a few well-timed three-pointers can completely change the game. Similarly, in bar preparation, you might feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of material or discouraged by low practice question scores. However, consistent effort and focus on key areas can lead to significant improvements.

Just like a basketball team capitalizing on a hot streak, you can build momentum in your studies. This might mean having a particularly productive week where everything clicks or suddenly mastering a challenging topic. Recognize these streaks and use them to your advantage. Ride the wave of momentum to boost your confidence and efficiency.

No Lead is Safe

Basketball teaches us that no lead is ever truly safe. The same principle applies to bar exam preparation. You might start your studies feeling ahead of the game, perhaps because you did well in law school or are naturally adept at multiple-choice questions. However, becoming complacent can be dangerous.

The bar exam is a comprehensive and challenging test that requires sustained effort. Like a team that eases up with a big lead, you risk falling behind if you become complacent. Keep pushing yourself, even when you feel confident. Regularly assess your progress and identify areas where you can improve. Incorporate practice exams, administered under timed, test-like conditions, to simulate the actual test environment and stay sharp.

Embrace the Grind

In basketball, players must maintain their intensity throughout the game, staying focused and adapting to changing conditions. For bar examinees, this means embracing the grind of daily study sessions, practice questions, and review. It’s not enough to rely on short bursts of effort; you need to maintain a steady, disciplined approach.

Break down your study schedule into manageable chunks, focusing on different subjects and skills each day. Be deliberate, too: Don’t just tell yourself that you’re going to spend one hour reviewing Civil Procedure. Instead, tell yourself that you’re going to spend maybe 30 minutes on joinder rules and another 30 minutes on preclusion rules. Additionally, incorporate breaks and self-care to avoid burnout, but stay committed to your overall plan. Remember, the bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent effort over time will yield the best results.

Bounce Back from Setbacks

Every basketball game includes missed shots and turnovers. The key to success is not avoiding mistakes but learning from them and moving forward. In bar preparation, you will encounter setbacks—whether it's a difficult practice essay, a low score on a multiple-choice practice set, or simply a day where studying feels impossible.

The important thing is how you respond to these challenges. Use mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, seek help if needed, and adjust your strategy. Just as great players bounce back from missed shots, you can recover from setbacks and continue making progress.

The Final Buzzer

As you approach the bar exam, remember that the game isn’t over until the final buzzer sounds. Stay focused and keep pushing until the very end. The last few weeks of preparation are crucial, and your efforts during this time can make a significant difference.

In the closing moments of a basketball game, teams play with heightened intensity, knowing that every second counts. Apply this same urgency to your final weeks of study. Review key concepts, practice under timed conditions, and stay positive. Visualize your success and believe in your preparation.

As the Pacers and Celtics gear up for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis on Monday, remember to approach your bar exam preparation with the same focus and effort they bring to the court.