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Jeff Van Gundy has etched his name into NBA history, most notably for his role in the infamous brawl between the Knicks and the Miami Heat during the 1990s, when he served as an assistant coach for New York.
Recently, Van Gundy found himself in the limelight again during a crucial moment in the first game of the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff series against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. With just 34 seconds remaining on the clock, he controversially held onto the basketball, refusing to pass it to Nikola Jokic.
As Jokic attempted to retrieve the ball, Van Gundy obstructed him, seemingly aiming to stall a quick inbound play following a turnover from Kawhi Leonard. This tactic is against regulations, as players are penalized for delaying the game.
“Nowadays, this seems to be a common occurrence in basketball, even though it shouldn’t be happening,” Jokic remarked after the game. “The NBA has been promoting a faster pace this season, stating that I can’t even take time to tie my shoes anymore. Yet, it appears that coaches are free to do as they please.”
The amusing scene of Nikola Jokic and Jeff Van Gundy vying for possession of the ball was captured in a tweet by Eurohoops on April 20, 2025.
Denver’s interim head coach, David Adelman, humorously suggested that if no penalties are imposed, he might encourage his staff to employ similar strategies.
“I mean, my team needs to elevate their game. If we’re allowed to just grab the ball and halt plays without it being considered a delay of game, what have we been practicing all season?” Adelman quipped to the media. “As a former assistant, I have to wonder what I was doing this entire time. If this tactic is permissible, maybe it’s time we start adopting it. Honestly, I’ve never witnessed something like this before.”
“It’s pretty embarrassing for Jok,” Nuggets player Christian Braun joked about Jokic’s struggle to pry the ball away from 63-year-old Van Gundy. “He’s definitely hitting the weight room now.”
