How Many Times Has Michael Jordan Lost to Sworn Rival Isiah Thomas?

Not many can claim an upper hand against basketball titans Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson. But Isiah Thomas? He’s cut from a different cloth. Sure, Magic and Mike outshine him with glittering trophies and accolades, but Zeke’s confidence is unmatched. “Just head-to-head, I was dominant over him,” Thomas once stated, proudly declaring his edge over Jordan. That rivalry wasn’t just about stats or accolades—it was personal. So, how many times did Michael Jordan truly fall to his sworn rival, Isiah Thomas?

For all the hype surrounding their matchups, the numbers back up Thomas’ claims. Over their NBA careers, the two legends locked horns in 65 games. Isiah racked up an impressive 36-29 record against Jordan during the regular season. Things didn’t look much better for MJ in the playoffs either—Zeke led 24-19 in those intense matchups. This dominance spanned the seasons leading up to 1992-93, the last time these two were active in the league.

These two icons brought out the best in each other. Jordan played like a man possessed, putting up an astonishing 31.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game—numbers that exceeded his own career averages. But Isiah wasn’t a slouch either, matching Jordan’s intensity with 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.

But things changed in January 1991. Thomas suffered a wrist injury that forever altered the course of his career. Before that, his Pistons were relentless, eliminating the Bulls in three straight playoff series. Isiah’s confidence stemmed not just from his personal performances, but from his team’s dominance—a point he never hesitated to emphasize.

Post-injury, things swung in Jordan’s favor. The two squared off 15 times after Thomas returned, including the infamous 1991 Eastern Conference Finals where Chicago swept Detroit. Across this period, the Bulls went 12-3 against the Pistons. Even without accounting for this late dominance, Isiah’s record stands tall—21-11 in the regular season and 12-6 in the playoffs against Jordan, giving him a commanding 33-17 overall lead.

So, while Jordan may be the GOAT in the eyes of many, Isiah Thomas has something no one can take away—a winning record and a rivalry that still has people talking.

Isiah Thomas isn’t shy about his wins over Jordan

Isiah Thomas has always been unapologetic about his dominance over Michael Jordan. In an October episode of Club Shay Shay, he made his stance loud and clear. “You know, just head-to-head, I was dominant over him,” Thomas told Shannon Sharpe. Reflecting on the Bulls vs. Pistons rivalry before his 1991 wrist surgery, he didn’t hold back. “When our teams met… my record against him and his team, it really wasn’t a competition.”

And just days ago, Thomas doubled down on these claims during The Mark Jackson Show. “As a small guy, to say that you and your team is the best team in the world… Your ego and you feel good,” he stated. Thomas then listed the NBA giants he’d toppled—Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and, of course, MJ. “I beat you more than you beat me. My team beat your team more than you… That’s a hell of a feeling.”

And yes, Thomas knows his achievements set him apart. “I hear how Jordan talks to everybody,” he said, comparing interactions. “You can talk to him like that [but not me] because I won.” Those wins earned him more than bragging rights—they solidified his legendary status.