Bradley Beal reveals how his faith gets him through the hardships of the Sun

Phoenix Suns archer Bradley Beal he rings out one phrase before every media availability, press conference or any opportunity to talk to the press.

“Praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

However, a catchphrase is not just one that looks flashy or connects with the audience. However, his faith is a lifestyle and it is one that has changed since landing in the Valley.

“He’s definitely grown for sure,” Beal told ClutchPoints after Sunday’s win. “Being in a new environment, a new situation, you have an idea of ​​what you would like it to be, and obviously, God has a plan and what life is like for you.” I think it was just a big whirlwind, just to go back to the word.”

His faith tested him in many ways. After ten seasons with the Washington Wizards, Beal was traded to the Suns during the 2023 offseason. Even though he had a no-trade clause, Bill wanted to be in Phoenix. But even with trade, it presented a new challenge.

After being the top scorer and player for years, Bill had to settle for second place. Playing alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, that thought came true. During his first season in the Valley, there were also new obstacles, as the team lacked a true point guard, alternating between Booker and Beal.

Not to mention, the former All-Star played more than Durant and Booker. The 49-33 record looked better on paper than it was. The The Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in four games in the first round of the playoffs. After that season, many questions arose. Would Phoenix break the Big 3? Can there be sustainable success? Was it a coach’s question?

How did Bradley Beal develop his faith?

While management promised to keep them all together, shortly after their abrupt playoff exit, Phoenix fired their head coach, Frank Vogel. The first-year coach left quickly. However, the The Suns immediately hired Mike Budenholzer. The offensive mastermind led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 NBA title, which happened to be against Phoenix.

However, during the off-season, Bill needed some time to be alone. He thought and sat in countless shots that were posted on social media. Many attacked him for making $50 million and not making the playoffs. After months of waiting, Suns media day has arrived. Beal took the podium with a big, bright smile. At that time, he often talked about getting his joy back.

Bill elaborated on how, specifically, his time with God helped him gain a clear insight into what was going on.

“Getting back to just living day to day,” Beal said. “Taking the lows and the highs and still relying on him.” Many times, when we have success, we get high. We have our ups and downs and stopped communicating with him. We come back to him when we need him the most. I think it’s just kind of keeping it even.”

The former No. 3 overall pick tested, and then again in 2024-25. For starters, he missed ten games. It changed the chemistry on the floor with him and his teammates. It wasn’t the most shocking news he would receive, though.

After the New Year, The Suns announced that Beal had been benched. Reactions flew from all sides. Some agreed with the move, some disagreed, and others kept mocking the guard. He was the center of media attention during Phoenix’s short three-game road trip.

Bradley Beal’s faith is essential for the Suns

When the team returned to Arizona, the local media repeated the same questions. There was a level of patience in Beal that few others could muster. From his bench, Beal was honest and transparent and consistently stated that the situation was beyond his control. For example, Beal refer to 1 Corinthians 15:58which is from the New Testament of the Bible.

He said after Thursday’s game: “I’m big on faith. For those who are great in faith with me, 1 Corinthians 15:58. That’s what got me through it. Don’t waver, man.”

Furthermore, Bill’s equanimity is attributed to his belief in God and what the Bible says.

“I try to take pride in it,” Beal said. “Not being too high, not being too low, and always kind of relying on him and his word.” Things I would throw at my teammates, our travels and all that. It just gives me my doses throughout the day.”

Despite adversity, Bradley Beal kept the faith

Still, even the most patient man loses a little when times get scary, especially given the uncertainty of his role with the Suns. Being constantly asked questions about the bench, his future and trade rumors must be exhausting, but Beal reminded fans that at the end of the day, and the most faithful man is a man.

“We’re not perfect, we’re human beings,” Bill said. “I can say that during the summer I was not in limbo, I was just for myself more than anything.” The biggest realization that word slaps me in the face with is that I can’t control everything. That’s my biggest lesson, that’s probably my biggest Achilles heel in a lot of ways.

“I’m trying to control, I want to control everything, I want to control the outcome.” I want to be influential, but sometimes that’s not my calling. So that was a blessing.”

Beal’s faith doesn’t mean the constant attention, uncertainty and worry will go away. However, it gives him a level of serenity that is inexplicable to understand unless you experience it yourself.