As one of the most insightful and entertaining color commentators in NBA broadcasting, Stan Van Gundy has enjoyed a courtside seat for most of the Eastern Conference semifinals, an instant classic slugfest between the Celtics and Bucks that’s loaded with physicality, defensive discipline and an endless stream of twists and turns.
On Thursday afternoon, I caught up with the former coach for an extended conversation about that series and his own rise in television, where he’s scheduled to work the Western Conference finals on Turner beside Reggie Miller and Kevin Harlan.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.