Latest news with #Pistons
Economic Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
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 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Instagram post underscores career milestone Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Isiah Thomas highlights rare playoff wins over Jordan, Johnson, and Bird
Isiah Thomas defeated three MVPs in consecutive playoff runs Instagram post underscores career milestone Live Events Thomas responds to "controversial" reputation (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel 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 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 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 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Isiah Thomas Flexes Rare Feat Of Beating Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson And Larry Bird
Isiah Thomas Flexes Rare Feat Of Beating Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson And Larry Bird originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The late '80s and early '90s marked a transitional phase in the end of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's era and the beginning of Michael Jordan's era. But before Jordan became the torchbearer of the '90s era in the NBA, Isiah Thomas and the 'Bad Boy' Pistons made their mark on NBA history. Advertisement Isiah Thomas is one of the few NBA players who can claim they beat Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in the Playoffs. A few other players may claim they have done so, but what makes Thomas more special is that he led his team to beat them after they became the regular season MVPs, and then he went on to win two (back-to-back) championships. This makes him the only player in NBA history to beat 3 MVPs in consecutive Playoffs, win back-to-back championships, and also win a Finals MVP. Thomas went on Instagram and reminded his fans of what he accomplished during his career. His caption read as follows: Advertisement "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. Let's break it down: 💥 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 Advertisement 🏅 Finals MVP 📊 ISIAH'S NBA FINALS DOMINANCE (1988–1990) ✅ 3 Straight Finals Appearances ✅ 2 NBA Titles ✅ 1 Finals MVP Finals 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 Be Known" Isiah Thomas Calls Out 'Controversial' Tag Over Michael Jordan Record In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Isiah Thomas recently called out the NBA media and fans for deeming him 'controversial' since he's unapologetic about his playoff record against Michael Jordan. Advertisement "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. I would put Magic [Johnson] and [Larry] Bird in that same conversation ... For some reason, that makes me controversial." "I'm ok with winning if winning comes with that controversy," Thomas said. "I'm not going to lose to him just so some people can be satisfied. I don't mind talking about my history and my basketball accomplishments. When I talk about them, I'm sorry, I did win. If you prefer me to ignore that I won, I don't know how that works." The Bulls and Pistons faced each other consecutively over four years in the NBA Playoffs from 1988 to 1991. Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas faced off in 22 games in the Playoffs. Jordan had a 10-12 record versus Thomas in his career. Related: Stephen Curry Wants To Follow Michael Jordan's Footsteps Even After Retirement This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit Pistons to host NBA predraft workout with Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier
The Detroit Pistons' priorities are coming into focus as we inch closer to the 2025 NBA Draft. Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier has a predraft workout scheduled with the Pistons on Monday, June 2, a source told the Free Press. Lanier led the Volunteers in scoring last season and won the Jerry West Award, which goes to the top shooting guard in the country. Advertisement The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 18 points and 3.9 rebounds per game and knocked down 39.5% of his 3-pointers, on 8.2 attempts as a fifth-year senior. He played his previous four seasons at North Florida, where he averaged 19.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 44% shooting from 3 in 2023-24, his final season there. TRENDING: 10 unrestricted free agents Detroit Pistons could pursue in 2025 Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier shoots the ball against the Houston Cougars in the first half during the Midwest Regional final of the NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium, March 30, 2025 in Indianapolis. Lanier is currently slated to be a second-round pick — ESPN projects him at 42nd overall to the Sacramento Kings, Yahoo has him 41st to the Golden State Warriors and The Athletic predicts he'll go 49th to the New York Knicks. The Pistons do not have a first-round pick but have the 37th overall pick in the draft, scheduled for June 25 (first round) and June 26 (second round). Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has preached the importance of having adequate shooting on the floor, and Lanier would give them additional insurance on the perimeter with both Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. entering unrestricted free agency. Advertisement [ MUST WATCH: Make "The Pistons Pulse" your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast, listen available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online or in print. Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons to host Tennessee's Chaz Lanier for NBA draft workout
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Pistons, Nets Set to Compete For $32M Free Agent Forward: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two Eastern Conference clubs with two very different trajectories could compete for an intriguing free agent this summer. The Brooklyn Nets finished with a 26-56 record under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez Torres, and as of this writing are set to have five picks (including four in the first round) in next month's impending 2025 NBA Draft — starting with the No. 8 selection. Devoid of any foundational All-Stars, Brooklyn has managed to restock its draft equity and cap space, and could look to pull a Detroit Pistons this offseason by signing competent veterans to compete alongside intriguing young players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton. More NBA News: NBA Executives Expect Surprising East Team to Trade for Top Pick After bringing in talented vets like forward Tobias Harris, shooting guard Malik Beasley, and wing Tim Hardaway Jr. over the summer (plus point guard Dennis Schroder midseason), the Pistons improved to a 43-39 record and snagged the East's No. 6 seed. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers posts up against Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers posts up against Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, season pros helped point guard Cade Cunningham grow into an All-NBA talent, and abetted the growth of center Jalen Duren and shooting guard Jaden Ivey. Athletic rookie wing Ron Holland impressed, too, at least defensively. Detroit gave the New York Knicks all they could handle in a hard-fought, first-round playoff series defeat. Per Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, Atlanta Hawks swingman Caris LeVert will be a target for both Brooklyn and Detroit this summer. Hawks' Caris LeVert Expected To Draw Interest From Pistons, Nets — Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) May 31, 2025 "The Hawks would like to keep free agent wing Caris LeVert, but they're well aware that he will be drawing outside interest," Amico writes. "Two of those teams are believed to be the Pistons and Nets, sources told Hoops Wire." More NBA News: Trae Young Takes Massive Shot at Knicks Fans During Thunder-Nuggets Game 7 After being acquired by the Hawks midway through the 2024-25 season as part of the deal that shipped De'Andre Hunter out to the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeVert logged impressive averages of 14.9 points on .482/.338/.722 shooting splits, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks a night, in 26 games off the bench. "As for Detroit, much depends on what happens with the team's other veteran free agents, including Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. It's not yet known which direction the Pistons will go after a pleasant surprise of a season." More NBA News: Nets' Ben Simmons Finalizing Contract Buyout To Become Free Agent LeVert, 30, is wrapping up a two-year, $32 million deal he inked while still in Cleveland. The oft-injured wing may not make quite that much going forward, but he could still draw an eight-figure annual salary on a multi-year deal. More NBA News: Hawks Breakout Star Signing Huge Extension Deal Bill Simmons Views Surprise Team as Best Trade Destination For Giannis Antetokounmpo Pistons May Want Cade Cunningham to Avoid Making 2025 All-NBA Team Massive Trade Proposal Has Pistons Land Perfect Co-Star For Cade Cunningham For more Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and general NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
