The Thomas-Jordan Rivalry: A Fierce Battle Revisited by The Last Dance

• Posted: April 13, 2023, 5:43 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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The 1980s and early 1990s were a golden era for NBA basketball, filled with legendary players, unforgettable rivalries, and captivating storylines. One such rivalry that stood out was between two of the era's most iconic players: Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls. While not as publicized as the Magic-Bird rivalry, the tension between Thomas and Jordan was no less intense. The 2020 release of the ESPN documentary series, "The Last Dance," brought this rivalry back into the spotlight, reigniting the drama between these two Hall of Famers.

A Tale of Two Guards​

Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan were both supremely talented guards, albeit with different styles of play. Thomas, a 6'1" point guard, was known for his extraordinary playmaking abilities, court vision, and tenacity. On the other hand, Jordan, a 6'6" shooting guard, was an explosive scorer and one of the most dominant athletes in the history of the game.

The Rise of the "Bad Boys"​

In the late 1980s, the Detroit Pistons, led by Isiah Thomas, were known as the "Bad Boys" due to their physical, hard-nosed style of play. They earned a reputation for their aggressive defense and bruising tactics, which often pushed the boundaries of the game's rules. The Pistons became one of the dominant teams in the Eastern Conference, winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.

A Heated Rivalry​

The rivalry between Thomas and Jordan intensified as their teams frequently clashed in the playoffs. The Pistons and Bulls met in the postseason for four consecutive years, from 1988 to 1991. During these series, the Pistons employed a physical, punishing defensive strategy known as the "Jordan Rules," designed to limit Jordan's scoring and wear him down physically.

The Bulls struggled to overcome the Pistons in their first three playoff matchups, but in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, they finally broke through, sweeping the Pistons in four games. The animosity between the two teams was on full display when the Pistons, led by Thomas, infamously walked off the court without shaking hands with the Bulls after their elimination.

The Last Dance and Reignited Drama​

The release of "The Last Dance" in 2020 provided a new perspective on the Thomas-Jordan rivalry, with the documentary offering a candid look at the animosity between the two players. Jordan was forthright about his lingering disdain for Thomas and the Pistons, which was only exacerbated by Thomas' exclusion from the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team." Jordan, who was instrumental in assembling the team, has long been rumored to have played a role in Thomas' omission, though he denied any direct involvement in the documentary.

The documentary series also delved into the infamous 1991 walk-off incident, with Jordan and other Bulls players, such as Scottie Pippen, expressing their displeasure with the Pistons' lack of sportsmanship. In response, Thomas defended his actions during interviews and social media, maintaining that the walk-off was a result of the intense emotions of the time and the prevailing norms of the era.


The Isiah Thomas-Michael Jordan rivalry was a defining aspect of NBA basketball in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The intensity of their battles, both on and off the court, provided fans with unforgettable moments and set the stage for the Chicago Bulls' eventual dynasty. "The Last Dance" documentary not only reignited the drama between these two legends but also offered a fascinating glimpse into the personalities, motivations, and emotions that fueled one
of the most heated rivalries in the history of the sport.

The rivalry between Thomas and Jordan, while fraught with bitterness and tension, ultimately contributed to the growth of the NBA and the elevation of the game. Their fiercely competitive nature pushed both players to new heights and inspired their teammates to elevate their performances. The Bulls-Pistons showdowns of the late 1980s and early 1990s remain some of the most memorable and hard-fought playoff series in NBA history.

As time goes on, both Thomas and Jordan have transitioned into new roles in the basketball world. Thomas has pursued various endeavors, including coaching, front office work, and broadcasting, while Jordan has become the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Despite their long-standing animosity, the impact of their rivalry on the NBA is undeniable and continues to resonate with fans and players alike.

The Thomas-Jordan rivalry serves as a reminder of the passion, intensity, and drive that define professional sports at their highest level. It is a testament to the power of competition and the indelible mark that two extraordinary athletes can leave on the game of basketball. As future generations of players forge their own rivalries and write new chapters in the annals of NBA history, they will undoubtedly look back on the battles between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan as a source of inspiration and a model for what it means to compete at the highest level.