Tomjanovich's playing career, however, is often remembered for a life-altering incident in 1977. During a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he was punched by Kermit Washington, resulting in severe facial injuries. The incident was a turning point, leading to a long recovery process. Despite the setback, Tomjanovich returned to play for several more seasons before retiring in 1981.
Transitioning from player to coach, Tomjanovich joined the Rockets' coaching staff as an assistant in 1983. His deep understanding of the game and ability to connect with players paved the way for his promotion to head coach in 1992. Under his leadership, the Rockets achieved remarkable success. Tomjanovich guided the team to back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995, a feat that solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach. His famous phrase, "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion," became synonymous with the Rockets' resilience during their championship runs.
Tomjanovich's coaching style emphasized teamwork and defense, and he was adept at managing star players like Hakeem Olajuwon. His ability to adapt strategies and foster a winning mentality was instrumental in the Rockets' achievements during the 1990s. After a successful tenure with the Rockets, he stepped down as head coach in 2003 due to health concerns.
In 2004, Tomjanovich took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although his time with the Lakers was brief, ending in 2005 due to health issues, his influence on the game remained evident. Throughout his coaching career, Tomjanovich was respected for his leadership and basketball acumen.
Beyond his NBA career, Tomjanovich also contributed to international basketball. He served as the head coach of the United States men's national basketball team, leading them to a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His ability to guide a team of NBA stars to victory on the international stage further demonstrated his coaching prowess.
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