Magic Johnson Once Turned Away Best Friend and Former Knicks GM, Isiah Thomas Ahead of 1st NBA Finals

Nithin Joseph | 22/12/2022
"Magic Johnson Laid in the Bed Just Crying": Isiah Thomas Talks of the First Time He Saw Lakers Legend Fail

Isiah Thomas is one of the best point guards in NBA history. A Hall of Famer, Thomas enjoyed a great career in the NBA. And he had a great many rivals.

Thomas has career averages of 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. In addition, he has been in a total of three NBA Finals, winning two NBA Championships.

Two of his Finals were against the Los Angeles Lakers and his good friend Magic Johnson. Although, their friendship wasn’t really on display when they faced each other.

Also Read: Michael Jordan Once Irked Isiah Thomas by Being Late in a Charity All-Star Event, Magic Johnson Helped MJ by Delaying the Tip-off

Magic Johnson avoided his best friend Isiah Thomas when they faced off in the NBA Finals

The 1987-1988 NBA Finals were a huge deal for Isiah Thomas. The Hall of Fame point guard led the Detroit Pistons to his first finals appearance, where they would face the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers were led by another superstar point guard and Thomas’ best friend, Magic Johnson. However, according to Zeke, the friendship would be put on pause when they met in the Playoffs. To the point where Magic constantly turned away and avoided Thomas.

Coldness was a common occurrence among superstars back then. Especially if you were friends who met in the NBA Finals on two occasions.

It worked for Magic the first time. But, the second time around, Isiah came out on top. Winning one of his two rings, the cherries on top of his legendary NBA career.

Thomas was a champion on the court but struggled to make an impact in the front office with the Knicks

Isiah Thomas is a champion. A two-time champion to be exact. He knows what it takes to win it all as a player. Unfortunately, it did not translate to wins as a general manager. As seen with his horrid spell as the GM of the New York Knicks from 2003 to 2008.

It was a horrible decision by the Knicks to hire him and Thomas for joining them. But nevertheless, a learning experience for both.

Also Read: Jealous over $2.5 million deal, Magic Johnson Was Accused of Conspiring With Isiah Thomas to Snub Michael Jordan in His First All-Star Game

Post Edited By: Jeet Pukhrambam
Isiah Thomas Magic Johnson

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

Don’t miss these