Tag Archives: lbj

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Jax Leads Dad to First Ever Head Coach Win

There are certain games that stick with you — not because of the final score, but because of the way they’re played. The kind where effort shows up in every possession and leadership doesn’t need to be loud to be felt (and coming from me, that’s saying something). This one happened to be my first game stepping in as head coach, but what made it memorable had very little to do with me.

This weekend was one of those games for Jackson.

From the opening tip, he was locked in. Focused. Ready to do whatever the team needed… and as the game unfolded, it became clear that his impact wasn’t going to be measured just in points, but in stops, hustle plays, and moments that quietly changed the direction of the game.

Let’s start with defense — because that’s where this game was won long before the scoreboard caught up.

Jax, you took on their best shooter and shut him down. He managed just one shot all game because you were everywhere — hands up, feet moving, body in the right place every possession. You forced tough jumpers and never let him get comfortable. That kind of defense doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, but it wins games. Your defense was locked in, disciplined, and relentless.

Then there was the hustle.

The ball felt like it had your name on it. You kept it alive over and over — offensive rebounds, assists, steals, tip-outs — just refusing to let possessions die. When we were down by six and momentum wasn’t ours, you were the spark.

No one in this league wants to see you defending them and for sure no one wants to drive the lane and see you standing in the key. You’re like a young Dennis Rodman (before he dyed his hair like an Easter egg). Those extra efforts don’t always go as stats in the box score, but they change everything. They kept us in the game and helped turn it around.

Slowly, possession by possession, we climbed back.

Eventually, we took the lead.
Eventually, we won.

And there you were, right in the middle of it — leading the way, doing the little things, helping us come back and keep our team in first place.

Jackson, this was your game.
And it’s one I’ll never forget.

PS: I plan on retiring with an undefeated head coaching record!

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NBA Play-By-Play from a Three Year Old

While watching our first basketball game together since Jackson started basketball “practice” two weeks ago, I decided to just sit back and listen to his commentary as we watched the Pacers v Cavs game 2 matchups. Some of his comments were responses to a question I may have asked… but most were just spontaneous reactions to the game. (I left out a few random comments that were completely unrelated to the game). Keep in mind he’s not yet three and holds interest in something for approximately 3.5 seconds at a time.

About two minutes into the game, “Throw in hoop, YEAH!!!” This occurred after a Lebron James basket and took a few minutes for me to convince Jackson that even though the ball went in this wasn’t a good thing for our team. 

Watching a Cavs player getting ready to check in at the scorers table blowing in his hand, “That man did toots, smells stinky.”

As Kevin Seraphine is rejected on a dunk attempt, I cringe and Jax replies, “Almost!”

After watching Lebron complain on a missed shot thinking he was fouled, Don’t worry. Don’t worry. No, No sad. It’s ok.”

C.J. Miles passes up a wide-open shot, and Jackson comments, “Shoot the ball man.” This is now my favorite Jackson comment of all time. You literally can’t get anymore blunt than telling the guy that gets paid millions of dollars to to just shoot the ball than to literally tell him to shoot the ball.   

Watching s bunch of players standing around as the ball just bounces off the rim a few times, “Ohh no. Why no big man help shoot hoop.” Again Jax, great question, because every time the ball comes off the glass or rim I cringe. It’s like 12 Cavs rebounding with maybe one Pacers player attempting to go after the ball. 

Richard Jefferson catches a wide-open rebound as it basically falls into his hands and Jackson yells, “old man.” I guess I need to take the blame here as I was yelling OLD MAN as he entered the game in hopes I could get Jax to repeat it. 

After a second turnover in a row, Jackson completely unprompted starts chanting shoot it and clapping his hands.

Half time was a opportunity for the Pacers to regroup, unfortunately it was also the time for our little NBA play by play announcer to go to bed. Maybe this is the start of a blossoming phase of communication for Jax. Maybe he just needed to get the opportunity to provide color commentary for an NBA Playoff Game.
One can only wonder what inspired this Craig Seagar like NBA breakdown. No matter what, he was more entertaining than Charles Barkley… and definitely was more articulate than Shaq.