NBA Legend Isiah Thomas Makes a Case of His Greatness Against Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson

Isiah Thomas is one of the best players in NBA history. He spent his entire career playing for Detroit Pistons before retiring in 1994. He has had a successful NBA career both as a player and as a coach. Isiah could have won more NBA titles but he played in the era of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. However, the 1990 NBA Finals MVP holds a unique record. He is the only superstar who was able to beat Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Larry Bird, all in their prime.

In fact, Isiah Thomas’ Detroit Pistons defeated Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 NBA Finals. It was a replay of the previous season’s final. The Lakers were the most successful team in that decade with four NBA championships and the Pistons swept them in four games in 1989.

Isiah Thomas has made a case of his greatness against Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird

Isiah Thomas quoted a tweet on Twitter that stated that ‘Isiah is the only superstar who beat Magic, Bird, MJ all in their prime’.

“Let it be known @PistonsNationCP 88 Jordan MVP, 89, 90 Magic MVP of the league,” Isiah wrote in the quoted tweet.

Isiah led the Pistons to three straight NBA Finals from 1988 to 1990. However, they lost the 1988 NBA Finals to Los Angeles Lakers. But they bounced back and won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.

The Lakers were a force to reckon with in the 1980s and 1990s. They won six NBA titles in these two decades, with four of them coming in the 1990s. Magic Johnson was an integral part of the dominant Lakers side. The Pistons broke their dominance by winning back-to-back championships.

Isiah was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1990 for his exemplary performance in the finals. These two championships were Detroit Pistons’ first championships. They won their third in 2004.

Then started the Bulls’ domination in the NBA. Michael Jordan led the Bulls in winning their first three-peat from 1991-93. Jordan came back from retirement to help the Bulls win the second three-peat of their history.

ALSO READ- ‘Starting From the Bottom’: Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Praises Giannis Antetokounmpo for His Loyal Run With Milwaukee Bucks