The rivalry between the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls during the late 1980s and early 1990s played a key role in re-establishing the fading popularity of the NBA. The on-court battle between the Pistons’ legend Isiah Thomas and Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan is still considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in the team. Despite the ‘Bad Boys’ label, the Pistons beat the strongest teams to win two straight championships in 1989 and 1990. However, Isiah Thomas’ dream of a three-peat was shattered by Michael Jordan-led Bulls in 1991. Recently, Thomas played victim to Michael Jordan while making a massive case of self-defense.

Isiah Thomas made an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, alongside co-hosts Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark. Isiah Thomas talked about his rivalry with Michael Jordan during the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals and how the series was influenced by chatters off the court. The two-time also made an argument, revealing the reality behind the ‘Bad Boys’ image of the Detroit Pistons.

Isiah Thomas calls out Michael Jordan for offensive labels

In an interview with The Pivot Podcast, Isiah Thomas shared why the Pistons walked off during the 1991 playoffs series without acknowledging the Chicago Bulls after losing 4-0. Thomas shared that before Game 4, Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan bashed the Pistons team in the media. He pointed out that Jordan called his team ‘thugs’, ‘bad for basketball’, and ‘undeserving champions’. Thomas suggested that Jordan’s comments were offensive to the team and the people of Detroit.

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Moreover, the 1990 MVP gave an insight into the aggressive tactics that were condemned by the league. Also, Thomas argued that the game was being played that way in the league. He stressed that the Pistons were not the ones to set the aggression benchmark. 

Talking about the Pistons’ mentality, Isiah Thomas clarified, “We have to hit back. That’s the game that was being played. We didn’t change the rules. They changed the rule so he could win.”

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The Pistons legend reckoned that the Detroit franchise only embraced what was already happening in the league, unlike Michael Jordan. He felt like the NBA rules were changed so the league’s favorite Jordan could win the championship.

Isiah Thomas calls Jordan’s labels as lies

Isiah Thomas argued that the Pistons beat the best in the league, deeming Jordan’s ‘undeserving’ label as ‘lies’. Moreover, Isiah Thomas stated, “And, now when you say we undeserving and we bad for basketball. And you, you throw these stereotype labels.”

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Thomas reckoned that the Pistons got physical to hit back after Jordan’s team started showing extreme aggression and then used labels and stereotypes to degrade their reputation. Isiah Thomas felt that the comments from Jordan were uncalled for. Hence, the Pistons walked off in response to the chatter.