In March 1996, Van Gundy was promoted to head coach of the Knicks, taking over from Don Nelson. Under his leadership, the Knicks became known for their strong defensive play and disciplined approach. During the 1996-1997 season, Van Gundy guided the team to a 57-25 record, finishing second in the Atlantic Division. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they were defeated by the Miami Heat in a hard-fought seven-game series.
The following season, Van Gundy's Knicks faced challenges with injuries and roster changes but still managed to secure a playoff spot. In the 1998-1999 season, which was shortened due to a lockout, Van Gundy led the Knicks to the NBA Finals as the eighth seed, a remarkable achievement. The team ultimately fell to the San Antonio Spurs, but the run solidified Van Gundy's reputation as a coach capable of maximizing his team's potential.
Van Gundy continued to coach the Knicks until 2001, when he resigned early in the season. After a brief hiatus from coaching, he returned to the NBA in 2003 as the head coach of the Houston Rockets. In Houston, Van Gundy worked with star players like Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. His emphasis on defense and team play helped the Rockets become a competitive force in the Western Conference.
During his time with the Rockets, Van Gundy led the team to multiple playoff appearances. The 2004-2005 season saw the Rockets finish with a 51-31 record, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the challenges of injuries and tough competition, Van Gundy's teams were consistently well-prepared and disciplined.
Van Gundy's coaching career with the Rockets concluded in 2007 after a first-round playoff exit against the Utah Jazz. Following his departure from coaching, he transitioned to a successful career as a basketball analyst and commentator, providing insights and analysis for ESPN.
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