The Chicago Bulls were undoubtedly one of the best sides to play in the NBA. The team, comprised of superstars like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, dominated the entire 90’s era. The one team which managed to give the Chicago Bulls and Jordan were the Detroit Pistons.
The ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons, as they were called were known for the physicality in their games. Isiah Thomas spearheaded the ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons and had a very interesting rivalry with Michael Jordan.
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In a recent podcast, he talks about the rivalry and how he feels Jordan is a better player. Take a look.
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 13: Former NBA player Isiah Thomas attends NBAPA All-Star Youth Summit: Real Talk on February 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Isiah Thomas talks about Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan
Although they share a very hostile past, Isiah Thomas feels Michael Jordan is a better player than him. On The Boardroom Podcast with Kevin Durant, he goes on to praise Durant and Jordan.
Durant talks about how teamwork is more important than individual brilliancies, to which Isiah Thomas replies. “That’s the greatness you have, I’m not at your level as a basketball player. Guys like yourself, guys like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Jordan. You guys can score the basketball and do whatever you wanna do at any time.“
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 13: Isiah Thomas attends SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” With Clyde Drexler, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins and Stephen A. Smith at SiriusXM Studio on February 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Despite having numerous heated matchups against Jordan, Thomas doesn’t let their rivalry come in while talking about him.
Jordan and Isiah Thomas rivalry
The two star players of fierce rivals are likely to have a bitter relationship. The same was the case with Isiah Thomas and Jordan.
The iconic rivalry started back in 1985 during the All-Star game. A young Jordan was voted for the All-Star game and was expected to get a start. It was alleged that Thomas played a big role in restricting Jordan’s role during the game.
Although Thomas has denied these allegations, the two have yet to have mended their relationship.
The ‘Bad Boy Pistons’ against the Chicago Bulls
The Detroit Pistons versus the Chicago Bulls proved to be the biggest match-up during the 90s. With fierce rivalries, the match was a fan favorite.
The Pistons boast of being the team who Jordan struggled the most. They defeated the Bulls in three straight seasons knocking Jordan out of the championship.
In Episode 3 of The Last Dance documentary, Michael Jordan shares his thoughts on the Pistons. “Oh, I hated them.” Jordan says, “And that hate carries even to this day.“
The Bad Boys of Detroit Pistons applied a specific defense against Jordan, known as “The Jordan Rules.” After a long struggle, the Chicago Bulls finally got the better of the Pistons in 1991.
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This started their dominance, which went on to establish themselves as the greatest team in NBA history.
