Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas is never one to shy away from expressing his opinions—especially when it comes to basketball greats. As Magic Johnson celebrated his 65th birthday amid “Magic Summer” adventures, Thomas was there again to stir up social media, with a post only extending his wishes to the Lakers legend. But it wasn’t just that to the keen eyes of Stephen Curry fans.

In Magic Johnson’s birthday message, Thomas wrote, “Happy Birthday to my friend @MagicJohnson the best Point Guard the world has ever known!” A simple wish with a not-so-simple implication. With the debate only on the rise, thanks to Curry’s recent Olympic performance, the message wasn’t going to miss many eyes.

Just days earlier, sports media personality Colin Cowherd echoed a similar view on his show, ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd’. While discussing Steph Curry’s legacy, Cowherd didn’t hesitate to place Magic Johnson at the top, saying, “Take out Magic Johnson. He is by far and away the best point guard ever.”

Richard Jefferson, a 2016 NBA champion and now ESPN analyst, also weighed in, adding fuel to the fire. “Magic changed the game of basketball,” Jefferson stated. Yet, Curry’s fans were quick to challenge these assertions, arguing that the Golden State Warriors star has done plenty himself.

 Isiah Thomas’ birthday shout-out sparks debate among Stephen Curry fans

One wouldn’t have doubted the post to be more than a birthday wish by Isiah Thomas, considering the bond the two have shared, even including the memorable ‘brotherly kiss,’ during the 1988 NBA Finals. But one was quick to point out an ulterior message. “Sneak diss,” they remarked. Well of course, a dynamic like that would require him to stand by Johnson amid the debate, disguised may it be.

But having watched Magic Johnson up close throughout the intense Lakers-Pistons rivalry of the 1980s, to ultimately split the championship, Isiah Thomas knows what he’s talking about. However, in today’s game, Stephen Curry fans aren’t ready to concede, with one fan cheekily asking, “Have you heard of a man by the name Steph Curry?”

Four consecutive 3-pointers against Serbia, coming in clutch, and 8 more beyond the arc in the Finals to drag his 7-point average to 14.8 by the tournament’s end, Curry’s case is fresh in the minds of the viewers. One even posted a picture of Curry alongside a caption: “Big Happy Birthday to Magic, the second-best point guard of all time, and I hope he gets many more blessed years.” While another dropped by to add, “I think Steph Curry was a better point guard, no offense.” 

Magic Johnson’s legacy, however, speaks for itself. Over his 13 NBA seasons, Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and an NBA-record 11.2 assists per game. With All-Star assists and three-point baskets also to his name, Thomas had some supporting his view too. “All facts!!! LET IT BE KNOWN!!!” 

But while the discussions rage on, Magic Johnson himself is far removed from these conversations. He’s been living his best life, enjoying his ‘Magic Summer’ in style. Just a few days ago, the 5× NBA champion shared a series of photos and a video from his birthday celebrations, showcasing an incredible cake—a miniature version of his yacht Phoenix 2—gifted to him by the yacht’s chefs ahead of his big day.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”