The photo from the moment LeBron James broke the all-time NBA scoring record — among the many incredible shots from the night — that everyone’s talking about had SO MUCH to take in.
There was the shot itself, a midranger that was clearly going in. There was Thomas Bryant calling for the ball (LOLOLOL).
And there was Nike co-founder Phil Knight watching.
Now, that might not be noteworthy in the moment. But look at the rest of the crowd, including James’s kids Bronny and Bryce. Nearly everyone is using a phone to watch and record the moment happening.
But not Phil Knight! Check out the reaction on Twitter:
Everyone noticed!
Nike founder Phil Knight witnessing history by the man he signed 20 years ago…
No phone necessary. pic.twitter.com/ptkFDcBcDt
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 8, 2023
Nike founder Phil Knight was seemingly the only one who wanted to witness LeBron James make history with his own eyes 👀📸 pic.twitter.com/Q0yN0ZeSed
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 8, 2023
Phil Knight is a legend for this one.
No phone. Just living in the moment. pic.twitter.com/EmBEtS0pSY
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 8, 2023
Everybody : 🤳
Phil Knight: 😐 https://t.co/fqsYJ78pEV
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) February 8, 2023
Phenomenal photo. There are maybe five people in it watching this shot without their phones up. One of them is Phil Knight. https://t.co/7wbMeU77ke
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) February 8, 2023
phil knight is the meme pic.twitter.com/gR0JZYdw8m
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) February 8, 2023
You ever wanted a photo to sum up living in the moment. It's Nike founder Phil Knight, courtside for LeBron's record breaking moment. Zoom in. Not one person using their eyes but him. Incredible pic.twitter.com/DkqaR3jIPw
— Shura Taft (@ShuraTaft) February 8, 2023
The desire to record things like this for social media likes means that people don't truly live in the moment when history happens before their eyes.
The man sat there with no phone is Phil Knight, who signed LeBron 20 years ago to Nike.
Be more Phil. pic.twitter.com/dZYpeYXvAZ
— Dave Powell (@_DavePowell) February 8, 2023
Phil Knight. No phone. Just vibes. pic.twitter.com/1leGSs8LPD
— Gary Striewski (@garystriewski) February 8, 2023
Kudos to Nike co-founder Phil Knight sitting courtside and being one of the few in the building to appreciate history with his own eyes instead of through the lens of his smartphone. https://t.co/9RLkD4tlBN
— The Sporting Tribune (@SportingTrib) February 8, 2023