Phil Jackson Comments on NBA Legend's Celtics Question

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Phil Jackson Comments on NBA Legend's Celtics Question

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated May 3, 2026 9:14 PM ET

Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper has a horse to root for in the Boston Celtics–Philadelphia 76ers series. His son, Ron Jr., is playing for the Celtics and even got to start in the pivotal Game 7. Unfortunately for Harper, his horse lost as the Celtics choked away a 3–1 series lead after dropping the next three games to the Joel Embiid–led squad.

The Sixers were in command for most of the game after a strong first quarter. The Celtics, which played without Jayson Tatum, threatened to steal the win with five minutes remaining. However, something baffling happened—something Harper had a hard time understanding.

The Celtics looked as though they were under a spell at that point, as they were unable to buy a basket. They trailed by just one point, 96–97, after Jaylen Brown made a layup at the 5:02 mark.

The 76ers took over from there, gradually extending their lead. The Celtics, meanwhile, could only manage free throws. Their last points came at the 3:49 mark, and those were the only ones they would score the rest of the way.

Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown and Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid greet each other after gameWinslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Sixers eventually built a 107–98 lead. When Peyton Pritchard made a basket, the game was already out of reach, as the clock had dwindled to 10.2 seconds. The game was effectively over.

Harper Jr. was baffled by the strategy the Celtics used during that five-minute drought. Though framed as a question, his remarks sounded more like an expression of frustration. His former coach, Phil Jackson, took the time to explain what went wrong.

Ron, NBA has relied on db-s/roll for penetration-no passes to post or pinch post. Why won vs pressure.
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) May 3, 2026

The triangle system is what Jackson used with the 1990s Bulls, helping them win six titles. Harper Sr. was part of five of those championship teams. Jackson, who hasn’t coached since 2011, also employed that system with the 2000s Los Angeles Lakers, where it led to five NBA championships.

Harper Sr. still has another son to root for in the playoffs. His son Dylan, the second overall pick in 2025, is playing for the San Antonio Spurs which are favored against the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: