The Magic and Isiah interview is a legendary moment in the history of basketball. Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, two of the greatest players in NBA history, sat down for a candid interview in 2020, nearly three decades after their friendship was strained. This interview was highly anticipated and brought fans and basketball enthusiasts from all over the world. The rivalry between Magic and Isiah dates back to the 1980s when the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons battled for NBA supremacy year after year. Both players were the leaders of their respective teams and were known for their exceptional skills and unique playing styles. However, their rivalry went beyond the basketball court and became personal.

“You Can’t Come to the House”: Lakers Legend Magic Johnson, Who Cried on Live TV With IT, Slammed the Door to His House on the 12X NBA All Star in 1988

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA MAY 11, 2014-Former NBA player Magic Johnson shakes hands after the Clippers defeated the Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference playoffs at the Staples Center Friday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas are undoubtedly legends of the game. Moreover, the two are still considered to be one of the best point guards to ever step foot on the hardwood. Both Johnson and Thomas had been close during their time in the NBA. However, things changed when these two greats met each other in the 1988 NBA Finals. Eventually turning their innocent friendship into a fierce rivalry.

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Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers met Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons twice in the NBA Finals. And even though the Lakers won their first matchup against the Pistons, Detroit came back with a vengeance.

However, their rivalry went beyond the basketball court and became personal. In the infamous 1991 NBA Finals, the Lakers and the Pistons faced each other once again. Before the series, rumors spread that Isiah had orchestrated a plan to leave Magic off the US Olympic team in 1992.

Isiah Thomas being denied entry into the house of Magic Johnson

In an interview with ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ Isiah Thomas revealed the details of the relationship between him and Magic Johnson prior to their finals matchup. Thomas mentioned how he was in attendance during every NBA Finals game back then.

via Getty UNCASVILLE, CT – AUGUST 12: Isiah Thomas attends MOHEGAN SUN Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary at Mohegan Sun on August 12, 2009 in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by David X Prutting/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

He was in the locker room when the Lakers won a championship and was taking notes on how to win an NBA championship with his team. So, when the two met in the finals for the first time, their relationship changed.

"He was getting in the way of my championship" - Magic Johnson reveals the reason for his eventual falling out with Isiah Thomas

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.

"He was getting in the way of my championship. So, you know, listen Jimmy, you can't get in the way of winning for me because I hurt you, just that way. Sometimes you tried me and I had to remind you, I played in the NBA and you playing wreck ball."

Johnson's relationship with Isiah Thomas worsened after Isiah had supposedly been spreading rumors about Magic's sexuality, as written by Magic Johnson in the book "When The Game Was Ours."

Magic further detailed his experience around his HIV diagnosis, his return to the court in 1996, and how Michael Jordan and the Bulls welcomed him:

"They (The Chicago Bulls) really showed me the difference between a championship team and a playoff team. They were a championship team and we were just a regular team. They played me so hard, they were physical, they pushed me around.

"He (Michael Jordan) met me in between the locker rooms and said 'Earvin, you have to remember now, you not with Kareem, you not with James Worthy, all the guys you used to play with, Showtime, are not on that Laker team anymore. So remember, maybe you should think about retiring'"

This hurt Magic deeply, and tensions escalated between the two great athletes. Over the years, Magic and Isiah's relationship remained strained, with both players harboring feelings of resentment and betrayal. However, in the 2020 interview, Magic and Isiah finally had the chance to address these issues and reconcile. The interview was raw and emotional, with both players discussing the pain they had caused each other and the toll it took on their friendship. Magic admitted that he was hurt and felt betrayed by Isiah's actions, while Isiah expressed remorse for his past mistakes. During the interview, it became clear that both players had matured and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. They acknowledged that their rivalry had gone too far and that they both regretted the damage it had caused. The Magic and Isiah interview was a powerful moment for the basketball community, as it showcased the impact that deep-rooted emotions and misunderstandings can have on relationships. It also highlighted the importance of forgiveness and the ability to move forward. Since the interview, Magic and Isiah have publicly stated that they have rekindled their friendship and have become close again. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the world of sports, where competition and rivalries are fierce, there is always room for growth, forgiveness, and reconciliation..

Reviews for "The Magic and Isiah Reunion: A Historic Meeting"

1. John - 1 star - I was really excited to watch the Magic and Isiah interview, as I've always been a fan of both players. However, I was extremely disappointed with what I saw. The whole interview seemed forced and awkward. It felt like they were both just going through the motions, and there was no real chemistry or genuine conversation between them. The questions asked were also quite generic and didn't delve deep into their careers or personal lives. Overall, the interview lacked substance and felt like a missed opportunity to truly understand the bond and rivalry between these two legendary players.

2. Emily - 2 stars - I have been eagerly waiting for the Magic and Isiah interview, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The interview was poorly structured, and it seemed like a missed opportunity to hear insightful stories and anecdotes from their playing days. The questions asked were too surface-level, and it felt like they were just scratching the surface without really delving into the intricacies of their relationship on and off the court. The cinematography was also quite dull, and the overall production value left a lot to be desired. It's a shame because I was really hoping for a more captivating and engaging interview from two basketball legends.

3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - As a lifelong basketball fan, I was excited to watch the Magic and Isiah interview. However, I found it to be a bit underwhelming. The interview lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of their rivalry and friendship. It felt like they were holding back and not delving into the real emotions and experiences they had. The questions asked were too safe and predictable, and I felt like I didn't learn anything new about these iconic players. It's a decent watch for casual fans, but for someone who was expecting a more profound and thought-provoking conversation, it fell short.

4. Mike - 1.5 stars - The Magic and Isiah interview felt like a missed opportunity in every aspect. The questions were bland and didn't delve deep into their careers or their thoughts on the game. The chemistry between them seemed off, and it felt like they were just going through the motions without really connecting on a personal level. The production quality was also lacking, with poor lighting and audio glitches. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and failed to capture the essence of these two legendary players' careers and relationship.

The Magic and Isiah Rivalry: From On-Court Foes to Off-Court Friends