'Winning Time' Episode 4: Fans say Jack McKinney was a coach 'clearly ahead of his time'

Much of the focus on 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' was on Lakers head coach Jack McKinney (Tracy Letts) who had a relatively short stint with the side, but was the man behind setting up the platform for the 'Showtime Lakers'. The chapter sees the players on the court for the first time under a new coach after Jerry West (Jason Clarke) resigns as the coach of the side just before the start of training camp.

Jack McKinney was a relatively lesser-known name in the NBA circuit at that time and although he was part of the coaching staff of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers. He replaced Jerry Tarkanian who was initially roped in as Lakers coach before the death of his friend Vic Weiss left him devastated. He eventually declined the role and McKinney took his place. Twitter had their two cents to share on the Pennsylvania man whose up-tempo offense defined the side.

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"Jack McKinney was clearly ahead of his time with a quick-paced offense that emphasized speed and ball movement. Even Jerry West had to acknowledge this guy was really innovative #WinningTime," one of the tweets read. This was seconded by another who wrote, "Jack McKinney was a REAL one. Yes, The team may hate him now, but winning changes everything. @winningtimehbo @hbomax @HBO #WinningTimeHBO #WinningTime."

"Jack McKinney: one of the original visionaries behind fast-break basketball. It's Showtime!! #WinningTime," a fan commented. "Imagine if Tark the shark would’ve got that gig instead of jack McKinney and eventually paul westhead? Pat Riley probably never gets a shot at coaching if it plays out like that….and tark would be in the same breath as wooden and Phil like e deserves to be….#WinningTime," one of the fans theorized.

"the film session scene with jack mckinney is the best part of winning time so far eyes nearly welled up with joy," a tweet read. "Jack McKinney breaking down how the fast break is like jazz music f***** beautiful #WinningTimeHBO," one of the fans remarked.

What are your thoughts on Episode 4 of 'Winning Time'?

'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on HBO.