RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Coming off their first NBA Championship the Pistons remained the top team in the East winning their 3rd straight division title with a solid record of 59-23, as Dennis Rodman was named Defensive Player of the Year with 9.7 rebounds per game. The Pistons continued to roll in the playoffs sweeping the Indiana Pacers with 3 straight double-digit wins. In the 2nd round the Pistons would continue to dominate, as they needed just 5 games to knock off the New York Knicks. In the Eastern Conference Finals the Pistons were matched up against the Chicago Bulls for the 2nd straight year. The Pistons would get off to a fast start taking the first 2 games at home. However, as the series shifted to Chicago the Bulls even the series at 2 games apiece. Back at home in Gam5 the Pistons exerted their will on the Bulls winning 97-83. However, the Bulls would bounce back to force a 7th game. In Game 7 the Pistons defense would step it up holding the Bulls to 74 points as they marched on to the NBA Finals for the 3rd year in a row. Seeking their 2nd straight title the Pistons were matched up against the Portland Trailblazers. After taking Game 1 at home by 6 points the Pistons would be stunned din Game 2 losing in the final minutes 106-105. However, as the series shifted to Portland the Bad Boys would step it to another level dominating the Blazers in Game 3, which they won by 15 points. The Pistons would take a 3-1 lead by the beating the Blazers 112-109.With a 3-1 series lead the Pistons were hardly in a must win situation as they trailed the Blazers 90-83 with 2 minutes left. Had they lost the series would have shifted back to Detroit for Games 6 and 7. However, the Pistons wanted to end it as quickly as possible as they held the Blazers scoreless the rest of the way ending the game on 9-0 run to pull out a 92-90 win which was capped by final second jumper by Vinnie Johnson who scored 7 point in the final 2 minutes. Isiah Thomas would go on to win NBA Finals MVP as the Pistons celebrated their 2nd straight NBA Championship.
Close
Isiah Thomas 12x NBA All Star on Detroit Bad Boys, Magic Johnson & Feud w/ Michael Jordan
Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with one of the most iconic athletes who just happens to be their long time idol, NBA hall of famer, Isiah Thomas. The original Bad Boy of Detroit Pistons is opening up and talking everything from his relationship with Magic Johnson to Detroit Pistons changing the game to sharing his side of the infamous Michael Jordan feud.
Isiah starts the show saying very simply that he is going to state facts and you can’t argue facts and that it’s one thing to win a championship in the NBA but it’s another to win a championship at every level ever played.
Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Isiah shares how his upbringing was shaped by his mother’s guidance and a family first mentality where his mother cared more about the type of man he’d become vs the money and opportunity being offered. His mom’s influence was so great, it became her decision where he played college basketball and also who he played for.
Explaining how he ended up in Bloomington, Indiana playing for Bobby Knight, he expounds on the life lessons that shaped him there not just winning back to back collegiate championships.
The West Side of Chicago is home to many activists and organizations such as Fred Hampton, Martin Luther King Jr, and The Black Panther Party. Isiah grew up in this environment and recalls marching alongside his mother with Dr.King. Spearheading change at the national level, Isiah used his local groundwork in Detroit to advocate for Black journalists covering the team, more rights for Black NBA players leaving a greater impact with his legacy not just on the court but in culture.
Isiah makes his case known for why so many people overlook Detroit Pistons as transcending the NBA and shares what the team really did for the league and how they were the firsts to do many things back then setting the example of how teams should be and move.
Known for his historic rivalry with Michael Jordan, Ryan asks what were his thoughts on the way his character was portrayed by Jordan in The Last Dance. Isiah provides The Pivot with an exclusive inside look to his true relationship with MJ and goes on to say that he always looked out for Michael and that their families were even close. He also speaks about how rules within the NBA were changed to protect Michael Jordan. Isaih doesn’t hold back as he shares his thoughts on while he was deemed the a-hole of the NBA when in fact he was the nice guy.
Lastly, Isiah lets the guys in on the history of his and Magic’s close relationship and what led up to their legendary interview. He gives credit to the current legends playing the game such as Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, and says they’ve transformed the game in a way we may never see again.
John Salley shared his thoughts on Jalen Rose telling VladTV that Salley needed to be...
John Salley Agrees with Jalen Rose: I Hate on Jordan Because I'm a "Bad Boy" / John Salley shared his thoughts on Jalen Rose telling VladTV that Salley needed to be drug tested for saying that Scottie Pippen is the most skilled NBA player that he ever played against. Salley explained that Jalen is "100% right" in his assessment that John's role as a member of the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" is the reason he can't say Jordan is the most skilled.
In this clip, John Salley explained where the origin of the perceived beef between Michael...
John Salley: Magic, Not Jordan, was the Reason Isiah Thomas Didn't Make the Dream Team / In this clip, John Salley explained where the origin of the perceived beef between Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas started. According to John, it was sparked by Isiah's nephew wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey which made Isiah develop a certain disdain for the Bulls. But John explained further that it wasn't personal. He also said that the story of MJ keeping Isiah off the Dream Team was a myth and in fact, it was Magic Johnson's doing which kept him from making the Olympic squad.
Later on, John Salley talked about the Bulls becoming a force only after Scottie Pippen assumed more responsibility and that the narrative around the "Bad Boys" of the Detroit Pistons was started by Phil Jackson.
In an engaging conversation filled with nostalgia and respect, Indiana basketball legends Reggie Miller, Larry...
Indiana Glory with Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Isiah Thomas / In an engaging conversation filled with nostalgia and respect, Indiana basketball legends Reggie Miller, Larry Bird, and Isaiah Thomas reminisced about their illustrious careers, sharing insights and memories that highlight their impact on the game. The discussion took a playful start with a light-hearted debate about coming in second in a shooting contest, setting the tone for a journey through basketball history.
Larry Bird, known for his incredible shooting ability, shared anecdotes about his career, including his record-breaking performances and his approach to the game. His story about returning to play after a concussion during a critical playoff game against the Pacers underlines his competitive spirit and dedication.
Isaiah Thomas, reflecting on his time with the Detroit Pistons, spoke about the intense rivalry with Bird's Celtics and the challenges of leading a team to the NBA Finals. Thomas also touched on the controversial comments about Bird and the profound respect he holds for him, highlighting Bird's gracious response that defused potential tension.
Reggie Miller, the host, shared his admiration for both Bird and Thomas, expressing regret for not delivering a championship under their coaching. The conversation also delved into the evolution of basketball, with discussions about the art of trash-talking, the impact of iconic players on the game, and the transition from playing to coaching.
Bird and Thomas offered their perspectives on current NBA stars, praising the talents of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant, while also reflecting on the game's evolution and the future of basketball. Their commentary on the potential for players to reach scoring milestones and the strategic changes in the NBA underscores their deep understanding and love for the game.
