ESPN analyst, former coach, and Alonzo Mourning irritant Jeff Van Gundy was right, actually, but he still proved to be something less-than prescient after what followed.
In the final 30 seconds of the Mavericks’ 88-86 win over the visiting Rockets on Wednesday night, Van Gundy gave an informed opinion about a strategic move made by Houston’s coach, J.B. Bickerstaff. But in a win that couldn’t have been better for Dallas’ playoff prospects, with a now two-game lead on Houston and a game up on Utah for the No. 7 seed — true, it’s a date with the Spurs in the first round, but that’s better than the Warriors, or no playoffs at all, which is what’s facing a disappointing Rockets squad — Van Gundy’s proclamation proved entirely false, even though it was the correct assessment beforehand.
It came before the final possession, with Dallas leading 86-85. Dirk Nowitzki had missed a baseline jumper that would have extended the lead to three and instead of calling a timeout, Bickerstaff had his Rockets play on, something Van Gundy thought was very smart.
“And I like playing without a timeout because it keeps Nowitzki as the lone basket protector,” Van Gundy offered.
Except, Nowitzki was the difference at the end, stripping James Harden low on his ensuing drive to the cup before Dallas recovered and clinched it with two free throws.
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Van Gundy was right, of course. Dirk isn’t much of a blockade at the rim for penetrating guards like Harden. But the big German is a cagey team defender and veteran with a championship ring and Finals MVP trophy at home, so he stripped Harden low on his drive and got the win.
Never hassle the Hoff…fan.
