To longtime Heat fans, the most lasting image from four consecutive playoff wars against the dreaded Knicks was one of wide-eyed, haggard-looking coach Jeff Van Gundy latching on to Alonzo Mourning's leg and holding on for dear life as he tried to break up a fight between Zo and Larry Johnson during a 1998 first-round game.

Whether that rivalry continues this season or not, Van Gundy won't.

On Saturday, Van Gundy stunned the basketball community and his players when he suddenly resigned, citing a lack of focus as his primary reason to step down after 6 1/2 seasons in New York. At his farewell news conference, Van Gundy was able to joke about being tossed around like a rag doll by Mourning.

"My legacy is not being a great peacemaker in big-man altercations," said Van Gundy, who also got head-butted when he stepped between Marcus Camby and Danny Ferry last season.

Van Gundy, 39, who leaves as the third-winningest coach in Knicks history with a record of 248-172, including 10-9 this season, has been mulling the decision since last summer.