Latest news with #PhilJackson
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4 days ago
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"He said, 'I heard you, but I really felt good'" - Phil Jackson recalled the moment Michael Jordan waved him off in a playoff game
"He said, 'I heard you, but I really felt good'" - Phil Jackson recalled the moment Michael Jordan waved him off in a playoff game originally appeared on Basketball Network. The great Phil Jackson is renowned for his unique coaching style, which set him apart from other NBA coaches. Unlike many of his peers, who often took a controlling approach, Jackson preferred a more relaxed and empowering method. Advertisement However, there were rare instances when he felt it was necessary to step in and call a specific play. Because of Jackson's laid-back demeanor, he earned the respect of his players, especially Michael Jordan. And more often than not, he and the rest of the Chicago Bulls followed his instructions without hesitation. Yet, there was a notable play in Game 3 of the Bulls' first round matchup against the New Jersey Nets in 1998 when Jordan waved off Jackson's play. Instead of being upset by what his superstar guard did, the legendary head coach was impressed "Michael had his rhythm in that game," Jackson recalled via ESPN. "He came down the court early, and I said, 'Hit Steve!' because Kerr was wide open for a 3-pointer. But Michael fired up his own three, and it went in. During the next timeout, he said, 'I heard you, but I really felt good.' And that's the way to feel. Believe it. You feel like you can't miss? Then shoot." Advertisement Michael finished that game with 38 points on 16-of-22 from the field. He shot 2-of-2 from the 3-point line. Jackson let Jordan get hot Jordan could dominate anybody on the court, but 3-point shooting was not one of his strongest suits. Despite being aware of it, Jackson never viewed it as an issue. He fully understood that MJ knew better, and he wouldn't force something if it wasn't there. On the other end, Jackson gave His Airness the green light whenever he felt like he was hot, particularly from beyond the arc. "Michael gets like that sometimes," Jackson acknowledged. "Remember the first game of the championship series against Portland, when he hit six of his first seven three-pointers? I'll never forget it." Related: "Put those guys on the court against anybody. They would win" - Julius Erving revealed his NBA all-time starting five Phil still knew MJ couldn't win by himself Over the years, Jackson and Jordan learned to trust each other. The Bulls' head coach never wavered in his belief in his superstar's ability to take over games and lead the team to victory. At the same time, he also understood that relying solely on Jordan's individual skills was not always a guaranteed formula for success. Advertisement Despite Jackson's strong faith in Jordan's winning mentality, it never altered his team-centered principles. Regardless of how spectacular Michael's performances were, Phil still believed that teamwork wins games and not individual talent alone. "No matter how great he (Michael) played, there were nights he couldn't overcome another team," he said during the Bulls' first NBA Finals appearance in 1991 when they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. "It was a team game, and the supporting act had to come from five guys. And he had to share the ball, and he had to find a way to incorporate his great individual game into a great team game." Jackson did an incredible job balancing his trust in Jordan's capabilities and upholding the values of teamwork. This dynamic became a cornerstone of the '90s Bulls' dominance, with the legendary coach succeeding in fostering an environment where both individual excellence and a collective could thrive. Related: "They hadn't won anything" - Isiah Thomas on why he never viewed Michael Jordan as a true rival This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
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Phil Jackson recalled when Michael Jordan said he regrets staying with Chicago Bulls: "It weighed pretty heavy on everyone"
Phil Jackson recalled when Michael Jordan said he regrets staying with Chicago Bulls: "It weighed pretty heavy on everyone" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Coaching the best team in the NBA may sound like an easy job, but Phil Jackson would undoubtedly beg to differ. Advertisement As the head coach of the 1990s Chicago Bulls, Jackson played a crucial role in guiding the team and fostering a strong sense of unity and confidence among the players. Still, the job came with its challenges. In one moment of deep frustration, Jackson found himself questioning why he agreed to continue coaching the Bulls. Though the situation was already overwhelming, he revealed that what truly shocked him was when Michael Jordan echoed those sentiments — but with an unmistakably serious tone. "Sometimes in a film session, I get upset and wonder what we're doing, why we can't put it together consistently," the legendary coach said via ESPN. "The other day, I stopped the film after watching Luc Longley screw up again, and I just said, 'Everybody makes mistakes. And I made one coming back here with this team this year.' I meant it in sort of a lighthearted way. But then Michael says, 'Me too.' So, it weighed pretty heavy on everyone." Phil knew MJ was tired of losing too Well aware of Jordan's competitive drive and winning mentality, Jackson understood how the Bulls superstar felt whenever the team wasn't winning. And for all his coaching brilliance, he sometimes couldn't figure out what to do about it. Advertisement Throughout their time together in Chicago, Jackson consistently stood by Jordan no matter the circumstances. When the Bulls faced adversity, particularly early in the 1997-98 season, he prioritized ensuring his best player felt supported, emphasizing that he and the team always got MJ's back. "The room was charged. It was somber. Michael was somber," Jackson continued, describing the atmosphere in the Bulls locker room. "He doesn't play cards with the guys like he used to. He is serious. He hasn't smiled a genuine smile in two weeks. He's letting everyone know it's time. He said, 'It's over. We're not gonna lose anymore.' I'm sick of losing, too. What are we, 15-9? We should be 21-3. We lost 10 games in 1996 — the entire season." "I don't talk a whole lot to Michael during games, and I don't look at him on the court much either. I just have a feel for him. He'll let me know by making a signal, a fist or tap his chest, when he wants to come out. But the other night, I went down and patted him on the knee while he was on the bench, just to let him know we're with him," Phil added. Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA The Zen Master kept himself motivated Entering his final season with the Bulls, Jackson was determined to set aside the tumultuous front office drama that had been swirling around the organization. The team was coming off an impressive streak, having secured back-to-back NBA championships, but the reality was that they were not performing at their best that year. Advertisement Jackson realized that Jordan was probably the most disheartened by the unfolding issues among everyone on the team. It was a crucial moment for the two as they needed to be aligned and focused to navigate the challenges ahead. Despite the obstacles that the team faced, The Zen Master managed to find motivation within himself. His resilience became a vital asset as he worked to maintain the team's spirit and unity during a season filled with uncertainty. "We have been having a little family turmoil, and some of it saddens me. But I'm not depressed," he said. "I feel I have every right to be happy in this life. I look around my office and all of the things in here — the Native American artifacts, the signs, the photos of the Dalai Lama and the Southwest — inspire me. Like those bull horns up there on the wall. Johnny Bach gave me that. He even painted my name on it. With the bull's testicles in the pouch tied in between. That inspires me." Jordan and Jackson found their rhythm Eventually, the Bulls managed to regain their rhythm. Jackson and Jordan gained the mental fortitude not to dwell on the negatives, utilizing their energy to unite the team. Ultimately, the two were able to lead the Bulls to another NBA title, completing their second three-peat. However, neither Jordan nor Jackson extended their contract with the Bulls. It was indeed their "Last Dance" as the team that dominated almost an entire era was disassembled by the front office for good. Advertisement Related: "He said, 'I heard you, but I really felt good'" - Phil Jackson recalled the moment Michael Jordan waved him off in a playoff game This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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4 days ago
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"They look like turned-on lightbulbs out on the court" - Phil Jackson once mocked white players with bald heads
"They look like turned-on lightbulbs out on the court" - Phil Jackson once mocked white players with bald heads originally appeared on Basketball Network. As a master of his craft, former Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson was known for his keen attention to the intricate nuances of the game. His approach to his job went beyond just in-game coaching as he also delved deeply into understanding and analyzing the strategies/tactics employed by opposing teams. Advertisement A notable example was when Coach Jackson commented on the shaved heads of the entire Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets teams during the 1998 playoffs. For Jackson, this bold move was clearly an expression of unity among the players, which he appreciated. However, the Zen Master had one particular concern about the respective teams' grand gesture — how the bald hairstyle looked on the white players. "I noticed that the Pacers and the Hornets all shaved their heads as a show of solidarity in the other series. But I wish the white guys would use that instant tanning stuff for their heads," Jackson said at the time. "[Rik] Smits, [Vlade] Divac, [Chris] Mullin -- they look like turned-on lightbulbs out on the court." Phil wasn't a fan of uniformity Unlike many of his contemporaries, Jackson upheld team unity with a subtler touch. While other coaches often made a statement to demonstrate their teams' solidarity, Jackson preferred a more understated approach. He also understood the value of camaraderie but didn't feel the need to express it through overt displays. Advertisement For the record, Coach Jackson held no disdain for those teams that embraced the theatrical, rallying their players with loud battle cries and dramatic gestures. As per The Zen Master, he also had his ways of fostering a sense of solidarity and harmony among his players, particularly during his time with the Bulls. However, agreeing to let all his players go bald wasn't one of them. "That will never happen with us," the legendary coach said of the idea of the Bulls players getting their heads shaved. "We started the black shoes in the playoffs back in the '80s, and that's about as far as we'll go with that." "We wear black socks with the black shoes," Jackson pointed out. "But the NBA polices equipment! The latest problem was that the white ankle tape showed, so players had to have black tape to be in code. Every variation — wristbands, socks, compression tights, headbands — requires no logos and complete uniformity." Related: "He never ever allowed Air Jordan to enter into the locker room" - BJ Armstrong said Michael Jordan was very different behind the scenes Coach Jackson had always been unconventional Instead of embracing the drama, Phil focused on building a cohesive environment that encouraged collaboration and mutual respect. He purposely allowed his team's natural chemistry to develop without exaggerated displays or lengthy lectures. Advertisement "This is what I was trying to do with the Bulls. My goal was to act as instinctively as possible to allow the players to lead the team from within," Jackson once said of his coaching style with the Bulls. "I wanted them to be able to flow with the action, the way a tree bends with the wind. That's why I put so much emphasis on having tightly structured practices." Throughout his illustrious coaching career, Phil exemplified greatness in unconventional yet exceptional ways. He proved time and again that even if intriguing things happened in the league, nothing could faze Jackson from helping his team achieve its goal. Related: Phil Jackson on race differences he saw in players' approach to the game: "White players are more often willing to work collectively" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
6 days ago
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- Forbes
NBA Finals Game 7: Lessons In Hardship, Stories Of Redemption
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (#2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Pascal Siakam ... More (#43) of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Abbie Parr - Pool/Getty Images) Each season, winning a championship is the goal of all 30 teams in the NBA, but 29 teams will ultimately fall short of this quest. With Game 7 of the NBA Finals approaching, the reality is that either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Indiana Pacers will face defeat and experience heartbreak. While winning an NBA championship will undoubtedly alter the trajectory of one of these two franchises, losing this game could also have a profound impact and provide valuable lessons in the process. Some of the greatest winners in basketball history have lost in the NBA Finals. Phil Jackson won a record eleven championships as an NBA head coach and another two titles as a player. During his final press conference as team president of the New York Knicks in 2017, Jackson discussed the challenge organizations face in assessing team progress and remarked, 'One of the worst things that can happen is to lose in the (NBA) Finals.' In his 2013 book Eleven Rings: The Soul for Success, Jackson also stated, "Losing is as much a part of the game as winning. It's how you handle the losses that teaches you the most about yourself." Throughout NBA history, there have been 14 instances in which teams lost in the NBA Finals and returned to win the championship the following year. However, only seven teams have accomplished this feat after losing in Game 7. The disheartening experience of coming so close yet falling short may signify the end of an era or represent the final step in a championship ascent. So, which teams were able to accomplish this feat? Stephen Curry (#30) of the Golden State Warriors can only watch as LeBron James (#23) shoots free ... More throws to help clinch the 2015-16 NBA Championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors won 73 regular season games, a record that still stands. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) (Photo by MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images) 2016-17 Warriors: The most recent example of a team winning a championship the season after losing a seven-game NBA Finals series is the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors. They rebounded after suffering a home defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which was particularly disheartening given that the Warriors had set a record by winning 73 games during the regular season. Before the start of the 2016-17 season, guard Stephen Curry told Sam Amick of USA Today, 'I still haven't gotten over Game 7. Obviously, you hated the feeling, but it's also a motivator to come back even stronger.' That offseason, the Warriors signed the highly sought-after free agent Kevin Durant and went on to win back-to-back titles. 2013-14 Spurs: In the 2013 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Miami Heat in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Spurs led the series 3-2 before suffering a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 6. With just seven seconds remaining, after the Spurs failed to secure a rebound, Heat guard Ray Allen made a three-point shot from the corner, tying the game and sending it into overtime. In a display of remarkable resilience, the Spurs returned to the NBA Finals the following season and decisively defeated the Heat, winning the series 4-1. Two of the lessons learned upon returning to the finals were not to take a lead for granted and to play every possession. In a 2016 interview with Adrian Wojnarowski on The Vertical Podcast, Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili expressed uncertainty whether the Spurs would have won the title without the heartbreak of the previous year. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich described his team's resilience as "a great lesson in stick-to-itiveness and doing your work, not crying about things, and just moving forward.' 1988-89 Pistons: Similar to the Spurs, the Detroit Pistons held a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1988 Finals. With the Pistons clinging to a one-point lead late in Game 6, Pistons forward Bill Laimbeer was called for a questionable foul with 15 seconds remaining that resulted in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar clinching the game with two free throws. This occurred after guard Isiah Thomas sprained his ankle in the third quarter, yet single-handedly kept the Pistons in the game. After the Lakers won the series, Isiah Thomas vowed the results would be different the following season and was quoted by the New York Times, stating, 'We're going to finish with the best record in the league and get the home-court advantage.' The Pistons swept the Lakers in 1989, claiming their first NBA championship. Earvin "Magic" Johnson (#32) of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts to make a pass against the Boston ... More Celtics during Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Basketball Finals at the Boston Garden. The Lakers lost the series 4-3, but would avenge their loss in 1985. (Photo by Carl Skalak /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X30090 TK1 ) 1984-85 Lakers: Like the Pistons, the Lakers also learned a difficult lesson a few years earlier, suffering a Game 7 loss in the 1984 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Not only were the Lakers attempting to defeat their archrivals, but they were also dealing with the mystique of the Celtics, who had never lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Due to two critical errors made in Game 4, Magic Johnson was nicknamed 'Tragic Johnson' by Boston-area sportswriters. Both teams returned to the NBA Finals in 1985. Before the series began, Johnson expressed his confidence and poise in a quote to the Los Angeles Times: 'I don't have to redeem myself because everybody knows what I can do. So I'm just going to be out there playing and hopefully don't make those mistakes.' The Lakers silenced their critics by defeating the Celtics in six games. 1978-79 Supersonics: The Washington Bullets defeated the Seattle Supersonics Game 7 of the 1978 NBA Finals, winning a physical seven-game series. The Supersonics held a 3-2 series lead with the home court advantage but were unable to close out the Bullets, as poor execution and inexperience ultimately derailed their efforts. Both teams returned to the NBA Finals in 1979, where the Supersonics swept the Bullets to win their franchise's only title. After the series, Finals MVP and Supersonics guard Dennis Johnson was quoted in the Washington Post, stating, "Last year we didn't know what to expect in this series but we came in with our eyes open this time. We did everything we had to do to win.' 1957-58 Hawks: In the 1957 NBA Finals, the Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks in double overtime to win Game 7 of the series, which was a particularly painful loss for the Hawks. With renewed focus, improved defensive continuity, and greater trust among teammates, the Hawks returned to the NBA Finals and earned a revenge victory over the Celtics, highlighted by Bob Pettit's 50-point performance in the closeout game. The team's chemistry appeared to play a crucial role in helping the Hawks defeat the favored Celtics. In 1998, on the 40th anniversary of the championship, forward Ed Macauley told Tom Wheatley of the Post-Dispatch, 'It was a talented group, but it was a very, very closely knit group. It was a very unselfish ballclub.' 1954-55 Nationals: Up 2-0 in the 1954 NBA Finals, the Syracuse Nationals Squandered their lead and ultimately lost at home to the Minneapolis Lakers in a decisive Game 7. This setback fueled the Nationals' desire to make adjustments and finish the job the following season. They defeated the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1955 NBA Finals by a single point in another Game 7. The team's star player, Dolph Schayes, was once described by Bill Russell as 'completely tenacious." His work ethic molded the Nationals into champions during the early years of the NBA. These examples highlight rare instances of teams bouncing back from disheartening defeats in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, proving their championship mettle. Either the Thunder or the Pacers will face similar circumstances. Next season, the victor will attempt to defend their title, while the runner-up will seek to avenge their loss. One certainty is that both teams have earned a tremendous opportunity to compete in this decisive game, which will determine this season's NBA champion.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
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"One of the most interesting personalities" - Robert Parish on how playing with Dennis Rodman made the Chicago dynasty feel a lot different than Boston's
"One of the most interesting personalities" - Robert Parish on how playing with Dennis Rodman made the Chicago dynasty feel a lot different than Boston's originally appeared on Basketball Network. Robert Parish witnessed two dynasties from the inside out. Advertisement He was a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics' frontcourt in the 1980s, anchoring a team that captured three NBA titles with a blend of size, precision and Hall of Fame synergy. Years later, in the twilight of his career, he laced up once more with a Chicago Bulls squad that was closing in on its second three-peat of the decade. He witnessed, from a unique vantage point, how two different dynasties operated and succeeded in their own ways. Rodman's personality In 1996, at 43 years old and fresh off a short stint in the Charlotte Hornets, Parish joined a team already soaked in champagne — the defending champion Bulls. They had the coach in Phil Jackson, had the leader in Michael Jordan and his deputy in Scottie Pippen. Advertisement However, the Dennis Rodman factor was a different kind of machine for their success. "Speaking of personalities," Parish said, "one of the most interesting personalities [was] Dennis Rodman. Definitely." Rodman was one of the most unpredictable figures in the league. He was also one of the best hustlers. He had already earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards and built a reputation as an elite rebounder with the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs. He brought his eccentricity and unmatched motor to a Bulls locker room already brimming with competitive fire. But for Parish, who had spent years alongside Larry Bird, one of the most relentless competitors the league had ever seen, Rodman's energy was unlike anything he had encountered in Boston. His years with the Celtics were defined by heavy minutes and heavier expectations. Between 1980 and 1994, Parish started over 1,100 games, formed the most formidable frontcourt in NBA history alongside Kevin McHale and Bird and became a bedrock of Red Auerbach's blueprint. Advertisement Rodman's presence symbolized the contrast. The Celtics' success had been a cold-blooded march built on structure, repetition and execution. Practices were grueling, the offense was deliberate and the locker room, while not without tension, operated within a traditional framework of veteran hierarchy. In contrast, Chicago's dominance in the mid-90s thrived within organized chaos. Under Jackson's triangle system and his psychological approach to coaching, the Bulls were freer, looser and yet just as precise when it mattered. Related: "When you start endangering people's health, it's taking away from the beauty of the game" - Michael Jordan criticized how the Pistons and the Knicks played the game Being a veteran When Parish arrived in Chicago on Sept. 25, 1996, signing as a free agent after his release from the Hornets, he wasn't expected to log major minutes. He played in just 43 games that season and averaged 9.4 minutes per contest. But he didn't need to chase stats, he had scored over 23,000 career points and grabbed more than 14,000 rebounds by that point. Advertisement What the Bulls needed was maturity and Parish, even in limited action, became a quiet north star for younger players navigating the edges of greatness. Chicago went on to win 69 games that season, finishing with a 69–13 record before steamrolling through the playoffs. For Parish, it was ring number four, a final chapter added to a Hall of Fame story and a unique glimpse into how another dynasty handled its business. He was the oldest in the dressing room, and while Jordan was the leader, he mentored the younger players as a veteran and let Rodman be himself because he knew that was how he operated. "That's the best way to roll with Dennis, let Dennis be Dennis," Parish said. "But the other young players — Jason Kaffee, Derrick Dickey — they gravitated towards me because they want to pick my brain about what it took to be a professional." Advertisement Parish didn't come to Chicago to reinvent himself; he came to reinforce what he had always stood for: longevity, discipline, and presence. The younger players on that Bulls team looked up to him not for what he could still do on the floor but for what he had already done. His 21 years in the league were marked by a near-religious dedication to conditioning, consistency and mental toughness. He played more games than anyone in NBA history and remained injury-free through eras defined by physicality. While names like Jordan and Pippen dominated headlines, Parish operated in the background with the same quiet demeanor he'd always carried. Advertisement In Boston, he was the silent enforcer, often letting his play speak louder than any pregame quotes. In Chicago, he became something else entirely, a living link between dynasties. Related: When Dennis Rodman's bodyguard stopped him from marrying Carmen Electra: "He drove around for three hours" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
