NBA legend Phil Jackson emerged from his usual quietness to bring forward pointy criticism of the league he once ruled. In a rare social media post on Easter Sunday, the 13-time NBA champion publicly criticized the NBA for scheduling sacred religious holiday games.
“Again, the NBA will test their faith by playing multiple games at Christmas and Easter… Sacred Days.”
– Phil Jackson (@Philjackson11), April 20, 2025
This was Jackson’s first post on X (formerly Twitter) in over a year, and his three times in the last seven years have further influenced the message.
History of the remarks
Jackson, known as the “Zen Master” of his spiritual and philosophical approach to basketball, was not shy about expressing his beliefs. In 2023 he made waves by declaring that he had stopped watching the NBA due to what was considered an excessive political message during the 2020 bubble season.
“They had things on their backs like ‘justice’,” Jackson told Rick Rubin on the Tetragrammaton podcast. “People want to see sports as apolitical.”
His latest comments seem to follow the same-minded lines. Basketball, in his view, should be a spiritual break, not a sacred moment.
The ignited league tradition
The NBA has been holding games on Christmas Day since 1947, and Easter Sunday often drops in the first round of the playoffs. For many fans, it’s a tradition. But for Jackson, the tradition clashes with something deeper.
Tuned for fans to watch this Easter (a total of four games), Jackson saw something else.
Wide trends in sports
The NBA is not the only league that doubles in holiday games. The NFL recently unveiled a 2025 Christmas Day triple header, riding the wave of viewer success. However, with the emphasis on holiday matchups, Jackson’s criticism raises important questions.
Is sports becoming too part of our holiday?
Faith, basketball, balance
At 78, Phil Jackson remains a complicated person. Some coaches, some philosophers, some spiritual seekers. His message may not resonate with everyone, but it reminds me of the deeper tension between contemporary entertainment and personal values.
It is unknown if the NBA will be careful. But one thing is certain: when Phil Jackson speaks, the world of basketball listens.
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