Isiah Thomas is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, but the Detroit Pistons legend is often underrated, especially for the young generations. Thomas had a terrific career, winning two championships, earning several calls to the All-Star game and becoming a complete idol in the Motor City.
However, all those things often get unnoticed or downplayed by some fans. Sports analysts Chris Broussard tried to remind and teach fans about the incredible things Thomas did during his career. One of the most impressive facts about the former PG is that he beat three of the greatest players in basketball history.
Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird all succumbed against Thomas. What makes everything bigger is the fact that Thomas beat them during their prime. He had big battles with Bird’s Celtics to make it to the Finals and the same happened with Magic’s Lakers when he won the NBA title.
“He’s the only superstar on earth that can say he beat Jordan, Magic and Bird all in their primes.” 😤@Chris_Broussard on why you kids just don’t know how good @IsiahThomas was pic.twitter.com/pnxAHTl1gl
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) April 16, 2020
It was the same with Jordan, who couldn’t get success in the league until he finally got past Thomas and the Pistons. From 1988 through 1991, Thomas beat at least one of those guys in the playoffs.
1988 NBA Playoffs:
– Eastern Conference Semifinals (4-1) vs. Chicago Bulls
– Eastern Conference Finals (4-2) vs. Boston Celtics
1989 NBA Playoffs:
– Eastern Conference First Round (3-0) vs. Boston Celtics
– Eastern Conference Finals (4-2) vs. Chicago Bulls
– NBA Finals (4-0) vs. Los Angeles Lakers
1990 NBA Playoffs:
– Eastern Conference Finals (4-3) vs. Chicago Bulls
1991 NBA Playoffs:
– Eastern Conference Semifinals (4-2) vs. Boston Celtics
Broussard adds that he beat Jordan and Pippen in the Bulls, Bird, Parish and McHale in Boston and Magic, Kareem and Worthy in Los Angeles.
Sure, he had a very good group of players around him, but Thomas was the leader of those squads, the one that made everything work. He’s one of the greatest legends in the game and this is a very impressive fact about him.
