Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has publicly condemned the NBA for continuing to schedule games on religious holidays.
Jackson took to X on Sunday to express his disapproval of the league’s decision to hold four playoff games on Easter. “Again the NBA tests faith by playing multiple games on Christmas and Easter…sacred days,” he wrote.
The 11-time NBA champion as a head coach has long voiced concerns over the league’s approach to spiritual observances.
His comments came after a full slate of playoff games on Easter Sunday, April 20, marking the opening matchups for four first-round series.
Sunday’s contests drew national attention as the Thunder dominated Memphis 131-80 behind 21 points from Aaron Wiggins.
Boston limited Orlando to just 86 points in a 103-86 win, led by Derrick White’s 30 points.
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell paced the top-seeded Cavaliers with 30 points as they handled the Heat 121-100.
Stephen Curry added 31 points in Golden State’s 95-85 road win over Houston, holding the second-seeded Rockets to their lowest scoring total in over two months.
The NBA has regularly scheduled games on both Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, drawing strong television ratings but also recurring criticism from religious and cultural observers.
Jackson, 79, has previously incorporated spiritual and Native American philosophies into his coaching style, often referring to basketball as a “sacred” practice.
