Dick Motta

Lore & Background

Known as a strict disciplinarian with high expectations for his players, Motta developed a reputation for putting together well-conditioned, tough, physical teams. He was known for his eccentric personality and fiery temper, which included throwing his jacket at a referee, kicking a basketball into the stands and throwing a dollar bill onto the court and demanding it to play after a GM traded one of his players for cash considerations. He retired from coaching in 1997 and ran a bed and breakfast with his wife in Bear Lake, Idaho. Motta is sometimes erroneously credited with coining the phrase 'The opera ain't over 'til the fat lady sings'; the first recorded use was by Ralph Carpenter in 1976. Motta adopted his own rendition after hearing a broadcast by Dan Cook during the 1978 playoffs.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension as the final seconds ticked away on the clock. Dick Motta stood at the sideline, arms crossed, eyes locked on the hardwood. He did not yell; he simply pointed to his chest, then to the basket. The message was clear: protect the paint. Wes Unseld nodded, receiving a pass in the post. The crowd held its breath as the Bullets secured their place in history.

Reader's Guide

Motta coached the Washington Bullets from 1976 to 1980, leading them to the 1978 NBA championship and the 1979 NBA Finals. He previously coached the Chicago Bulls (1968–1976), winning Coach of the Year in 1971, and later became the first head coach of the Dallas Mavericks (1980–1987). He also coached at Weber State (1960–1968), winning three Big Sky Conference championships. The source does not single out any player as the key player of the 1978 championship team.

Did You Know?

• Motta's 1959 Idaho high school state championship team included future NBA head coach Phil Johnson.
• Motta has said that winning the 1959 state championship was his greatest thrill as a coach, even topping the NBA championship.
• After the 1978 title, Motta celebrated wearing a beer-soaked T-shirt that read 'The Opera Isn't Over 'Til The Fat Lady Sings'.
• Motta was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 as a contributor.