People often say that New Yorkers have a unique sense of humor, and a great example of this happened during an NBA game in February 2012 .
During the contest, fans of the local team, the New York Knicks , repeatedly booed Kings guard Isaiah Thomas. However, there was a funny twist: they weren't booing him out of dislike. Instead, it was because his name sounded like Isiah Thomas, a figure many Knicks fans despised for his failures in various roles with the team.
"When I used to come to [MSG], I heard them talking about firing Isiah and all that, so I knew something was going to happen. I knew they were going to boo at least once. I didn't think they were going to boo the whole time, but it is what it is," remarked Isaiah post-game, per ESPN.
Booing Isaiah for Isiah
Knicks fans at the time likely had two main goals with their booing. First, they wanted to rattle the opposing player, Isaiah, and throw the rookie off his game. Second, because of the similarity in their names, it was a prime chance to vent their frustrations against the former Knick operative, Isiah.
The Hall of Fame point guard, known as "Zeke," is celebrated as a true legend of the Detroit Pistons . However, his reputation with the New York franchise is quite the opposite. During his four and a half years as manager, coach, and president, the Chicago native oversaw a time that Knicks fans would prefer to forget.
Their team often made headlines for poor management and disappointing performances on the court, and soon enough, Thomas became the target of that blame. This led to constant boos from fans and calls for his dismissal. Although "Zeke" was finally let go in April 2008, the resentment from fans clearly lingered long after his departure.
Related: "Old Senior Citizen Bron is putting on a MF Clinic" - Kendrick Perkins was stunned by LeBron James' fourth quarter takeover vs. Kings
Facing the MSG crowd
The crowd made their feelings clear when the other Thomas visited the Big Apple for an away game with his Kings. It all started with boos when the PA announcer introduced the future two-time All-Star, and the jeers continued every time IT touched the ball. After the Sacramento team lost 100-85, longtime Knicks superfan Spike Lee kept the teasing going with some funny remarks aimed at the opposing 5'9" player.
"Us little guys got to stick together. But next time you come to New York, just change your name," Thomas chuckled as he recalled Lee's words.
Interestingly, the now 35-year-old, who finished that game with 14 points, once shared that his name indeed had a connection to "Zeke." The story behind his name involves his father making "a little bet" with a friend, as reported in-depth.
Despite the boos and the loss, Isaiah shared that he still has a positive view of the iconic Knicks arena. However, it should still be noted that anyone with the same name or a similar name to Isaiah Thomas should be ready for a unique experience when visiting MSG.
Related: "He had a little bet with his friend" - Isaiah Thomas on the backstory of his father naming him
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