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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — is set to broadcast a historic NBA Finals victory, whether it’s the Boston Celtics or the Dallas Mavericks who take the title.
Whoever wins, they will have a tough time surpassing the iconic post-championship speech delivered 29 years ago.
On June 14, 1995, the Houston Rockets completed their NBA Finals sweep of the Orlando Magic, clinching Game 4 at home at The Summit.
Die-hard Rockets fans may remember Clyde Drexler’s breakaway dunk or Hakeem Olajuwon’s rare three-point attempt in that 113-101 victory.
However, the moment that has become legendary in Houston is head coach Rudy Tomjanovich’s speech after the franchise won its second consecutive title.
According to pundits and league insiders, the Rockets weren’t expected to be in the finals. Despite having the second-best preseason championship odds, Houston wasn’t as dominant as their 4.5-to-1 odds suggested. They entered the playoffs as the sixth seed and had to play deciding final games in their first two series.
FILE – Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, center, is surrounded by his team as they hoist the NBA Championship Trophy overhead on June 14, 1995, in Houston.
FILE – Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, center, is surrounded by his team as they hoist the NBA Championship Trophy overhead on June 14, 1995, in Houston.
AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File
So, “Rudy T” had a point to prove when he spoke to legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas.
“No one’s ever done what this team’s done. Come from the sixth seed, down in series. We won nine road games, and we had non-believers all along the way. I have one thing to say to those non-believers. Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion,” Tomjanovich declared.
That soundbite has become legendary. NBA Finals coverage often features “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion” in its signature video packages, serving as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
In 2005, Tomjanovich humorously revealed to the Houston Chronicle’s Fran Blinebury that parts of his speech were inspired by Kevin Johnson, a Phoenix Suns player eliminated during that title run.
“Actually, I stole it from Kevin Johnson. After we came back to beat Phoenix in one of those early playoff games, I remember reading his comments. He said, ‘Those guys are like cockroaches. You keep trying to step on them, but they always scurry away and come back. They have the heart of a champion,'” Tomjanovich told the Chronicle. “In that moment, up there after we clinched, it just came back to me. It was my response to all of the doubters. It said everything about us.”
Never underestimate the heart of a Hall of Famer.