SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 20: NBA TV Reporter, Jeff Van Gundy talks to the camera before Game Three of the Western Conference Finals between thge Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

Jeff Van Gundy Downplays Khloe Kardashian's Role in 2017 NBA Finals

Alec NathanJun 9, 2017

ESPN NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy took aim Friday night at those who pinned Tristan Thompson's underwhelming play in the first three games of the NBA Finals on his girlfriend, Khloe Kardashian.

"The debate about whether his significant other, Khloe Kardashian, and the Kardashian curse is the reason, to me, is downright low rent," Van Gundy said during the first quarter of ABC's Game 4 broadcast.

"My thing is this: When LeBron James struggled in 2011 in those Finals, did we say it was his significant other that caused him to not succeed? Or last year with Steph Curry. Was it Steph Curry's wife when he didn't play up to standard? No, this Kardashian shaming is because she's an easy target."

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His relationship with Kardashian aside, Thompson's inability to make an impact in the Cavaliers' losses in Games 1-3 was glaring.

During that stretch, he went scoreless twice (Games 1 and 3) and didn't grab more than four rebounds in a game.

However, he remedied those woes early in Game 4 when he piled up two points, a series-high five rebounds and two assists during his opening eight-minute run in the first quarter.