Magic and Isiah Upset: The Feud That Shook the NBA In the world of professional basketball, rivalries are not uncommon. However, few have captured the attention and emotions of fans and players as much as the feud between Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. These two basketball legends, once close friends and teammates, experienced a falling out that not only fractured their personal relationship but also had a lasting impact on the NBA. Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas first crossed paths on the basketball court during their college years. Their friendship blossomed as they faced off against each other in numerous high-stakes games and developed a deep respect for each other's skills. Both players were drafted into the NBA in 1979, with Johnson joining the Los Angeles Lakers and Thomas becoming the face of the Detroit Pistons.
That began when Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. During that time, there was a misconception about how a person could contract the virus. When people around the league found out, most players avoided Johnson for fear of getting infected.
Between the glitz and the glamor that the showtime Lakers and Magic Johnson embodied, there was a great basketball career, decorated with every basketball accolade in the book. Magic Johnson, in the wake of his new show They Call Me Magic, made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and talked about how his friendship with fellow NBA champion Isiah Thomas deteriorated following a minor altercation in the 1988 NBA finals.
Both players were drafted into the NBA in 1979, with Johnson joining the Los Angeles Lakers and Thomas becoming the face of the Detroit Pistons. During the 1980s, Magic and Isiah became the faces of their respective teams and led them to incredible success. They competed fiercely on the court but remained close friends off the court, often seen socializing together during NBA events.
Magic Johnson ‘Sad’ to Admit the NBA Finals Changed His Relationship With Isiah Thomas
Kisses turned into elbows when Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas met in the NBA Finals during the late 1980s.
by Mike Thomas Published on November 3, 2022 Share: Share on Twitter:Remember the cute little kisses Magic Johnson gave Isiah Thomas before their NBA Finals games back in the late 1980s? Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers squared off against Thomas’ Detroit Pistons in consecutive years for the NBA championship.
The peck on the cheek signified their long-lasting friendship. When the games began, that friendship took a different turn. Recently, Johnson admitted he was sad to say the NBA Finals did impact their relationship.
However, tensions began to rise as the Lakers and Pistons met in the NBA Finals in 1988 and 1989. The 1988 NBA Finals saw the Lakers defeat the Pistons, with Magic earning his first championship ring. However, the following year, the Pistons managed to dethrone the Lakers and left Magic frustrated. The bitterness from losing the championship, coupled with the physicality and rough play exhibited by the Pistons, strained the relationship between Magic and Isiah. The feud between Magic and Isiah reached its boiling point during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Magic, who had recently announced that he was HIV positive, was determined to compete and raise awareness about the disease. However, Isiah, along with a few other NBA players, reportedly lobbied against Magic's inclusion on the Olympic team due to concerns about his health condition. This perceived betrayal deeply hurt Magic and led to an irreparable rift between the two basketball icons. Their friendship was shattered, and both players publically voiced their disappointment and resentment towards each other. The feud had a significant impact on the NBA community, with players and fans taking sides, and it became one of the most talked-about stories in the sports world. Although time has passed since the height of their feud, the wounds between Magic and Isiah have not completely healed. While they have acknowledged their past differences, there still seems to be a level of lingering animosity. However, both players have managed to move forward and focus on their individual contributions to the game. The Magic and Isiah upset remains a notable moment in NBA history, showcasing the complexities of friendships and rivalries within the competitive world of professional basketball. Despite their fall from grace, Magic and Isiah's impact on the game is undeniable, and their story serves as a reminder of how emotions and ego can sometimes overshadow the love and camaraderie that originally brought people together on the court..
Reviews for "An Inside Look at the Mindset of Magic and Isiah during their Upset"
1. Lisa - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Magic and Isiah Upset". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the story. Overall, I found the book to be unengaging and a waste of time.
2. John - 2 stars - While the concept behind "Magic and Isiah Upset" seemed intriguing, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was off, with certain scenes dragging on unnecessarily while others felt rushed. Additionally, the writing style did not captivate me, and I struggled to stay interested in the story. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - "Magic and Isiah Upset" had the potential to be a great read, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The characters were not well-developed, and their actions often felt inconsistent and illogical. The plot twists were predictable, and I found myself getting bored with the story. Overall, I think this book could have been better with more attention to detail and stronger storytelling.