NBA Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has never been afraid to speak his mind. But when the “Zen Master” took to social media on Easter Sunday 2025, it wasn’t to draw up plays or reminisce about championship glory. Instead, he spoke out against something far more significant—his concern over the NBA’s disregard for sacred Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Jackson made headlines by criticizing the league’s scheduling of playoff games on one of Christianity’s most holy days. The former Lakers and Bulls coach wrote on X, marking only his second post since 2018, drawing attention to what he sees as a growing disrespect for Christian values in the professional sports world.
Again the NBA tests faith by playing multiple games on Christmas and Easter…sacred days.
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) April 20, 2025
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And this isn’t the first time he’s raised the issue.
Back in 2010, Jackson openly challenged the league’s decision to play games on Christmas Day, a move that was controversial even then.
“It’s like Christian holidays don’t mean anything to them anymore. Just go out and play and entertain the TV. It’s really weird … But it is what it is. We’ve got to go to work, and we’ll do what we have to do to make the best of it … I don’t think anyone should play on Christmas,” Jackson said, as reported by MSN.
/**/His convictions are rooted in his upbringing. Though known for practicing Zen Buddhism, Phil Jackson grew up in a strict Assemblies of God household in Montana. Both of his parents were ministers, and the foundation of his belief system still stems from Christianity.
While the NBA prioritizes ratings and revenue, Jackson reminds us that some things are more important than primetime broadcasts.
With Christmas Day games drawing in over 5 million viewers last year, the NBA shows no signs of changing course. But Jackson’s voice—unexpected and bold—offers a counterpoint from inside the secular sports world.
And maybe that’s the point. Just as God used unexpected voices throughout Scripture—from Balaam’s donkey to King Cyrus—He can still use anyone today to deliver truth in a world that increasingly tunes it out.
Phil Jackson, like Donald Trump, may not fit the mold of a traditional preacher, or even Christian, but his boldness to speak up for Christian values is a powerful reminder: God can use anyone, anywhere.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
