Mark Jackson still might harbor some hard feelings over how his run ended in Golden State. The Warriors canned him after three seasons and won their first title in 40 years the following season under Steve Kerr.
The Warriors melted at the Garden
They’ve proceeded to play in six of the last eight NBA Finals, while Jackson is stuck at the announcer’s table.
It’s the broadcasting equivalent of giving a toast at your ex-partner’s wedding.
So maybe Jackson is feeling a little bitter.
On Wednesday, the possibly scorned former head coach took a swipe at the Warriors and their championship success. Late in the third quarter, Steph Curry hoisted an open 3-pointer, while Al Horford scrambled to cover him. In a desperate attempt to rattle Curry, Horford collided into his ankle, sending the two-time MVP to the floor.
In the fourth quarter, Curry was limping in pain. Horford also landed hard on his left leg while going for a loose ball.
The play in question was reminiscent of one of the more infamous injuries in recent NBA playoff history. In Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference Finals, former Warriors big man Zaza Pachulia landed on Kawhi Leonard’s foot while he was shooting a three. Leonard immediately exited the game and didn’t return for the rest of the series.
The Warriors swept the Spurs and went on to win their second title.
When Horford landed on Curry, Jackson suggested the Warriors were experiencing karma.
“Well, they benefited from a play like that,” he said. “They won a championship because of a play like that, with all due respect.”
The truth hurts.
It was a surprising moment of candor from Jackson, who often struggles to say anything useful. His typical analysis usually sounds something like this: “[The Celtics] have had a great first half. But you have to put together 48 minutes of solid basketball against the Golden State Warriors.”
That is a real quote from Game 3.
Jackson is so much better when he’s feeling scornful.