49 Across

NYT Daily ? September 29, 2025

Coach of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Answer:

PHILJACKSON

Hint:

This legendary NBA coach won 11 championships and was known for his "Zen Master" approach, blending basketball strategy with mindfulness.

Explanation:

This clue refers to Phil Jackson, the legendary NBA coach who led both Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers to multiple championships. The answer is his full last name combined with his first name—"PHILJACKSON"—written as one word, which is common in crosswords for proper nouns. If you know basketball history, his name stands out immediately as the only coach linked to both iconic players.

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General solving tip

'Perhaps,' 'maybe,' or 'e.g.' usually signal an example, not the category name. You're looking for one member of a broader set.

More tips → General Hints