By Mallory Mattingly
Former NBA coach Phil Jackson called out the NBA on X after the league hosted multiple games on Easter Sunday.
On Easter Sunday, the NBA hosted four playoff games: OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat and Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors, according to the Basketball Network.
Jackson wrote on X, “Again the NBA tests faith by playing multiple games on Christmas and Easter…sacred days.”
Again the NBA tests faith by playing multiple games on Christmas and Easter…sacred days.
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) April 20, 2025
This isn’t the first time Jackson has called out the NBA for its disrespect for Christian players.
Jackson, who grew up in Montana with a foundation in Christianity, also spoke up about the issue in 2010.
“I don’t think anybody should play on Christmas Day,” he told the media, per CBS News. “I don’t understand it.”
“It’s like Christian holidays don’t mean anything to them anymore,” Jackson added. “Just go out and play and entertain the TV. It’s really weird, but it is what it is. We have to go to work and make the best of it.”
Jackson isn’t the only one who feels this way.
Related: Netflix to Host Two Christmas Day NFL Games
Laker point guard LeBron James echoed, “If you ask any player in the league, we’d rather be home with our families. I think the people that even set the games up would rather be home with their family during this day. It’s not just a regular holiday. It’s definitely one of those days that you wish you could wake up in the morning with the kids and open up presents.”
“The fans, we always say it’s good for the fans,” James added. “But the fans get an opportunity to see us all year. We’ve got TV games all year. We’ve got a TV game on Thursday [in Phoenix]. I don’t care for it too much.”
“I actually feel sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game,” former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
“I think you just have to accept it,” he continued. “It’s gone from one game to two games to five games last year. It’s part of the league. I had my say last year, I’m not going to have my say again. My owner paid for my comments last year, and he’s not going to do that again.”
The NBA isn’t the only sport that plays on Christian holidays. The NFL does the same. Not only are these important days for believers, but these leagues should realize that the players, coaches and staff would much rather spend their holiday at home with their families than entertaining.
Read Next: LeBron James Reveals His No. 1 Accomplishment, and It’s Not What You’d Expect
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +3