Isiah Thomas highlights rare playoff wins over Jordan, Johnson, and Bird
Isiah Thomas is the only NBA player to defeat Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in consecutive playoff runs while winning back-to-back championships. His recent Instagram post and interview reaffirm this rare feat, pushing back on the 'controversial' label often tied to his NBA legacy
Isiah Thomas remains the only player in NBA history to defeat Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in consecutive playoff runs and win back-to-back NBA titles
Isiah Thomas defeated three MVPs in consecutive playoff runs
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Thomas responds to "controversial" reputation
Isiah Thomas has reiterated a rare distinction in NBA history, defeating Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in consecutive playoff series while leading the Detroit Pistons to two straight NBA titles. The Hall of Fame point guard emphasized the accomplishment in a recent Instagram post and a Sports Illustrated interview.In 1988, the Pistons eliminated Michael Jordan's Bulls in the playoffs. Jordan was the regular season MVP that year. Detroit then defeated the Boston Celtics, led by 1987 MVP Larry Bird. In the NBA Finals, the Pistons extended the series to seven games against Magic Johnson's Lakers. Despite losing the series, Thomas famously scored 25 points in a single quarter during Game 6 while playing through a sprained ankle.Also read: Orlando Magic reveal new logo and uniforms for 2025–26 NBA season In 1989, Detroit returned to the Finals and swept Johnson's Lakers, who entered the postseason with Johnson as the reigning MVP. The following year, Thomas once again led the Pistons past Jordan and the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit won the NBA title, with Thomas earning the Finals MVP.In his Instagram post, Thomas shared the following:'Isiah Thomas is the ONLY player in @nbahistory to defeat three league MVPs in consecutive NBA Playoff runs — and then win back-to-back championships.💥 1988:✅ Defeated Michael Jordan (1988 League MVP)✅ Defeated Larry Bird (1987 League MVP)✅ Took Magic Johnson's Lakers to 7 games in the Finals on a sprained ankle and scored 25 points in one quarter — an NBA Finals record still today💥 1989:✅ SWEPT Magic Johnson (1989 League MVP) and the Lakers in the NBA Finals.🏆 NBA Champion💥 1990:✅ Beat Michael Jordan again in the Eastern Conference Finals.🏆 NBA Champion🏅 Finals MVP📊 ISIAH'S NBA FINALS DOMINANCE (1988–1990)✅ 3 Straight Finals Appearances✅ 2 NBA Titles✅ 1 Finals MVPFinals Averages (1988–1990):• 🧠 22.6 PPG• 🎯 7.5 APG• 🔥 49.6% FG• 💣 55.8% 3PT (24-of-43)• 💥 57.9% 3PT in 1990 Finals alone (11-of-19) — the highest in Finals history• 🧮 Combined FG% (2PT + 3PT weighted): 51.3%🔐 No Top 50 teammates while the MVPs had one or more#NBAHistory Let it Known'In his Sports Illustrated interview, Thomas questioned why he continues to be labeled as 'controversial' despite his record of success, especially against Michael Jordan.'I don't run away from it. Fortunately for me, I'm probably one of the only people that can walk around this Earth and say, in playoff competition, I beat Jordan more than he beat me,' Thomas said. 'I would put Magic [Johnson] and [Larry] Bird in that same conversation ... For some reason, that makes me controversial.'Also read: NBA Finals: Check ways to watch, betting odds, and other details He added, 'I'm okay with winning if winning comes with that controversy. I'm not going to lose to him just so some people can be satisfied. I'm not going to ignore that I won.'The Pistons and Bulls faced off in four consecutive playoff series from 1988 to 1991. In 22 postseason matchups between Thomas and Jordan, Thomas won 12 games, while Jordan won 10.
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