Feeling the Heat?

The NBA is known for their great rivalries throughout its history. Over the years we have had classic battles like the Lakers-Celtics, Bulls-Pistons, and Warriors-Grizzlies (ok, maybe not for another 50 years). However, these rivalries bring out the best in their superstars and tightly contested games.

In the 1990s, the storied rivalry was between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. Although scoring was at a premium in each of their contests (you could count on one hand the amount of times each team scored 100 points), there was more to this rivalry than the scoreboard.

Before this season, it was almost an annual rite that these two teams meet in the postseason (they played against each other five consecutive seasons in the spring), and they were marred by physical defense and fights that had more punch than some heavyweight bouts.

Who could forget current Knick Kurt Thomas tossing now-teammate Charlie Ward like a rag doll, or former teammates Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson exchanging blows and costing the Heat a series against New York (the third participant in that fight I'll get to in a bit), but it was the type of rivalry where the hatred was real and the games always intense.

With both teams struggling out of the gate this season, one would think that this rivalry holds not as much significance. However, with the recent and unexpected resignation of Knick coach Jeff Van Gundy on Saturday, could the Miami Heat once again be stirring the pot as to why he resigned so quickly?

Van Gundy, who went from having his car blown away by an airplane jet to becoming a third party during the Knick-Heat fights (who could forget him riding Mourning's leg like a puppy dog during the altercation with Johnson?) in his tenure, was one of the Knicks most successful coaches. His winning percentage of .581 was third on the Knicks all-time winning list for coaches, and he led the Knicks to the playoffs for five of his six years there, reaching the NBA Finals in 1999.

There were rumors that Van Gundy wanted to leave during the summer, but he decided to stick around. On Saturday, he said that after a practice, he resigned because he had "lost focus" and thought it was best for the team if he moved on. In my humble opinion I am all for someone leaving on their own terms, but it was the timing of it all that was so puzzling.

Despite the team being hamstrung by the salary cap as well as some questionable trades and offseason maneuvers, the team was getting healthier with the return of center Marcus Camby and was reaching the .500 mark when Van Gundy left. Van Gundy felt that the team was lacking discipline and that is something he preaches to every team he coached, which was partly the reason he was so successful in the Big Apple. He even got Latrell Sprewell, who was once the most hated employee in America, under control and made him into an All-Star.

Now that Don Chaney will be guiding the ship for the rest of the season, one has to ponder whether or not there is another reason why JVG left so abruptly, and do their hated rivals have something to do with it?

For all of those who think I'm reaching, remember that former Knick coach Pat Riley left New York after unsuccessful attempts to dethrone the Bulls and go to South Beach in 1996. Although he was still unable to beat the Bulls after coaching the Heat, his biggest losses came to the Knicks come playoff time, as they lost every series to New York. Also, he was able to grab players like Anthony Mason away from New York and further deplete their roster.

What does all of this have to do with Van Gundy?

Consider the facts if you will.

Jeff is a Riley disciple, having served under him for several years as an assistant, and he preaches the same type of discipline that Riley does. Miami is off to a 4-15 start with an aging roster of underachievers (Jim Jackson and Rod Strickland), and not knowing if star Alonzo Mourning will ever be the same again after his battle with a kidney disorder last season.

Riley's "win at all costs" ways have gotten old, as the team has had a habit of playing so hard in the regular season they've worn themselves out when the postseason begins.

With the prospect of facing a losing season for the first time in his career, Riley may take his suits and shiny hair and call it quits.

It would be the perfect scenario for his disciple to return and install a new energy that is sorely needed in this franchise.

Stan Van Gundy is an assistant for the Heat and having JVG come there to coach would be a welcome opportunity, especially since he brings a winning pedigree and the same type of teachings that Riley has installed, but with better results.

What better way for this rivalry to (pardon the pun) "heat up" than for Miami to once again get over on the hated Knicks in the coaching ranks?

Stay tuned, because this soap opera might have another new twist to an old tale.