Phil Jackson Is Rewarded By Jordan Farmar’s Play

Jordan Farmar’s post season play has been remarkably different than his regular season performance. Some of the media scribes have called it a “slump”. It was more a coming of age as a professional basketball player for Jordan Farmar. First, the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets in the initial playoff round. With that, Jordan Farmar had to contend with Allen Iverson. In the next playoff series, it was the Utah Jazz and it was lessons from Deron Williams. And now, it is the San Antonio Spurs and a very quick Tony Parker facing Jordan Farmar.

Based on the stakes at hand and the on-court struggles that Jordan Farmar was having, the coaching staff of the Lakers could have justified reducing the playing time of their young point guard. To Phil Jackson’s credit, he trusted Jordan Farmar and played him in his regular rotation with the second unit off the bench.

In Game Two of the Lakers - Spurs series, Jordan Farmar richly rewarded the faith that his coach had in him. Jordan Farmar scored fourteen points, with five baskets on seven tries, one blocked shot and one steal. He shot fifty per cent from three-point territory. Further, Jordan Farmar made one of the spectacular defensive plays of the night. He chased down Ime Udoka and, from behind, he elevated and blocked an almost sure layup. Jordan Farmar did not give up on the play.

link: Game Two

Often, Phil Jackson is not given full credit for his coaching acumen. He has had superstar like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Some have wondered how much coaching is involved with stars such as these, except to have them at the arena by game time. However, these stars did not start winning until Phil Jackson was their coach. And as with Jordan Farmar, Phil Jackson is going through the process of watching some miserable play in order for his player to find success. In Game Two, Jordan Farmar started to repaid the trust.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
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