Los Angeles Lakers Score Textbook Win in Phil Jackson Mold

With the recent death of coaching great John Wooden the focus on his blend of molding great players with big game brilliant presentation calls to mind a current coaching master.

Wooden as college basketball’s most successful coach amassed 10 NCAA titles and was rightfully called “the wizard of Westwood.”

Which current basketball coach has 10 NBA titles and is bearing down hard on No. 11?

His name is Phil Jackson and he coaches the Los Angeles Lakers.  Should Jackson be called “the wizard of Staples Center”?

Jackson achieved his titles at Chicago and Los Angeles respectively, where he had two players who were among the select number of greatest athletes in history, formerly Michael Jordan of the Bulls and currently Kobe Bryant of the Lakers.

A superstar on a roster does not assure titles. A coach must have the finesse to correctly set the table and create an environment in which the star can flourish. With just the right preparation, this is the correct blending to achieve championships.

The aforementioned factors were evident in Game One of the NBA Finals at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant was never more focused.  He intently wants another championship ring. Phil Jackson set the table in such a way that Bryant has an excellent chance to realize his goal.

One fact generates trepidation in the land of Celtic supporters.

What is Phil Jackson’s record after winning Game One of a playoff series?  It stands at a perfect 48-0.

The Lakers came into Game One against a prideful defensive juggernaut led by three future Hall of Famers in Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.  They are augmented by a superb table setter, a courageous and flashy point guard in Rajon Rondo.

An important phase of the Celtics’ game surrounds the juggling of three tough big men who appear alternately, thereby able if nec...

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